Ecopsychology and Artmaking

Saint Brigid’s cross

Ecological artmaking is what is has been called today, really has been with humanity since we arrived on this planet. From constructing homes from surrounding materials to weaving baskets and clothing, everyday was an ‘ecological artmaking process.’ But we have traveled very far from this intimate connection we once had to nature. We have even begun to see ourselves a separate from nature. Alongside this dualism that separates humans from nonhuman others is the realization of the detriments of such detachment and is at the very core of what the field of ecopsychology addresses. 

Exponential environmental change is occurring on the planet, including water and air pollution, human overpopulation, and a fundamental collapse of the ecosystems that have sustained life on Earth for millions of years. “Entire generations of living beings and connectivities are being destroyed and lost, while damaged ecosystems are unable to recuperate themselves” (Silova, 2021, p. 587).  The field of ecopsychology views the health of the natural world and of humanity to be one the same and views these maladies as a direct reflection of what is occurring within the human being. 

We are inexorably linked and connected to the more-than-human-world and have always been. 

Thomas Berry (1988) eco-philosopher, eco-theologian, and cultural historian concurs, as he believes we have lost our connection with nature;… plants, trees, rivers all have something to teach us and our loss of capacity to participate in this great conversation is what allows us to pollute and degrade our environment. 

Physical, psychological, and emotional relating are not enough to unite humanity with nature once again, humanity needs to embody this merging, providing an intimate path of wholeness.  A bridge must be made in modern human’s way of engaging within the natural world that cultivates a healing relationship and for humanity to see that they are one of the same with all of nature.

An intimate engaging with our environment, one filled with meaning-making and co-creation is being called upon. Perhaps this ‘ecological artmaking’ may have some wisdom to it.

References

Berry, T. (1988). The dream of the earth . San Francisco: Sierra Club Books.