I’ve known of Cathy’s practice for years and had been looking for a way to work with her for some time. Recently, we ran a residency called ‘How to Flatten a Mountain’ and it was our good fortune that Cathy was able to run a day-long workshop with our resident artists. Cathy was a fantastic facilitator and the artists were drawn to her ideas. She spent the morning speaking about her project in Hollywood Forest and related ecological issues. In the afternoon she took us into our own forest and met with each participant individually. It was evident by the work produced that Cathy had a significant impact on many of the artists. Without hesitation, I would recommend Cathy and happily invite her back for future projects.
Published by Cathy Fitzgerald PhD | eco-social artist | educator | researcher
I explore new ideas and practices for eco-social well being by bringing art and non-art practices together in my creative practice. I also offer Ecoliteracy learning, workshops, mentoring, writing and policy developments for the arts at www.haumea.site _____________________________ Through my practice and an art practice-theory PhD "The Ecological Turn", I have developed a guiding theory-method framework to articulate the context and workings of long-term eco-social art practices. These vital practices activate ecoliteracy and agency for environmental change in communities. Much of my PhD drew on my experiences and challenges, and the review of others' pioneering creative practices' that are responding to ecological concerns. My own transversal practice reflects on the transformation of the small conifer plantation that I live with, Hollywood forest, toward new-to-Ireland, Close-to-Nature forestry. I bring previous experience in biological science research and interests in environmental philosophy, policy development and ecocide-Rights of Nature law developments into the mix. _____________________________ Somehow an eco-social art practice allows me to connect and move across these various strands of interest to create a new agency for myself and the human and non-human neighbours I depend on and live with. _____________________________ Hollywood forest is the smallest Close-to-Nature forest in Ireland; its growing happily near Mt Leinster and the Blackstairs mountains in South East Ireland. View all posts by Cathy Fitzgerald PhD | eco-social artist | educator | researcher