Biodiversity

Photography

After speaking with a photography student, I gained an understanding of how strongly the group is incorporating nature into their art, especially the art creation process.

The class is currently using cyanotypes, which is the process of printing images onto photosensitive paper. The result is blue, which is where the name 'cyanotypes' comes from.  

The cyanotype process also relies heavily on sunlight to develop the final print, meaning nature is involved at every stage. Not only is the photography group exploring biodiversity through their images, but also through the way those images are brought to life.

Music

The music crew is specifically focused on creating tunes and beats which will remind listeners of nature. One student I spoke with stated that her song isn't necessarily a song, but a soundscape.

She elaborates on how her overall objective for her piece is to observe a specific animal’s habitat, lifestyle, and characteristics, and combine these aspects to create something that will spark curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world and biodiversity.  

Rather than relying on lyrics, she is layering natural sounds, rhythms, and subtle variations to mirror the environment she is representing—almost allowing the listener to step into that space. 

Sculpture and Drama

The sculpting group has previously assisted drama by creating mechanisms for performances. The two groups are also similar in their inclusion of biodiversity. When speaking to members of both groups, I observed that they primarily use natural and recycled materials.  

A student from the Drama skills area explained that the group uses recycled cardboard like toilet paper rolls to create props. They also reuse fabrics and materials from past performances to optimize resources and reduce waste while still producing creative and effective pieces.  

A separate student from the sculpting group informed me about their use of sustainably sourced materials such as recycled cardboard, foam and other plastics, as well as water-based spray paint, explaining that their process involves experimenting with how far these materials can be pushed while still remaining environmentally conscious. 

Both groups also showcase biodiversity through their work. The Drama team ensures that no individual or pair creates a piece based on the same animal as someone else, and sculpting students primarily create pieces that represent a range of flora and fauna.