Nature’s Imprint Q+A with Featured Artist Lyra Morgan
How Do You Incorporate Sustainability In Your Artistic Practice? What Challenges Have You Encountered When Creating Sustainable Art?
I am mindful of what materials I use, and I try to use less of them. I've substituted many 'tools of the trade' with more sustainable options like replacing non-recyclable bubble wrap and parcel tape with more earth-friendly products. I still have some way to go in reaching the level of sustainability that I would like and am starting to encourage suppliers to offer alternatives.
What Inspired You To Explore Sustainable Practices Or Environmental Images In Your Work?
I’m inspired by my profound love for water, my work revolves around capturing the essence of water's ephemeral nature and its ability to manifest in various forms.
Water has always inspired me and there have been a few epiphany moments along the way. Scuba diving in the tranquillity of ‘the blue’ and turning around at the end of a dive just in time to see the grace and majesty of a Manta Ray. It brought tears to my eyes and made me forget I was diving - so much so I started plummeting!
There have been so many magical moments both with and in water, another that comes to mind is sitting by the edge of the Tiber in Rome and realising so profoundly that we are all connected to the past and future through water, how every drop that has ever existed cycles around time in cloud, in ocean, in us.
What Does It Mean To You To Be A Part Of ‘Nature’s Imprint: A Journey Through Time and Art’?
Creativity and nature are both my ‘happy place’. Both make me feel grounded yet in awe. To be able to be part of something that brings the two together is beyond a happy place! I feel we are in some small way manifesting our sense of duty of care for our home - this wonderful planet earth.
In Your Opinion, What Role Does Art Play In Addressing Environmental Issues?
It has the potential to enable audiences to connect with issues by offering an endless number of perspectives. Just like the oceans and the skies, colour seems to be infinite - no one colour is the same as the next. There are perceptible and imperceptible differences. Colour and art have the power to change how we experience our world. We can ‘ask’ questions through our work.
What Do You Hope Viewers Take Away From Your Art?
A sense of feeling at peace, of the art taking them ‘somewhere’. And if that place is connecting with nature, even better. Water is my sanctuary. To me, painting is like swimming. It comes naturally to be immersed in it and to flow with it; I surrender to it and let it take me somewhere new. I hope my art can take the viewer on a similar ‘journey’ too. Each piece is a snapshot, a window into water’s ability to makes us feel at home, like an invisible embrace.
