Empathy Towards the Natural World
This multidisciplinary exhibition aims to bring together individuals at Pratt who are inspired by or committed to the idea of living in a more ecocentric world.
If I could guide you, I would ask that you live life with curiosity, taking the role of an observer. Explore the world around you, appreciating its gifts and wonders. Be curious about the people in your community, engage with your neighbors, and be open to learning from their perspectives. Form a relationship with the world that exists inside your potted plant, in your backyard or local park, and within your neighborhood block.
How can we save a world we’ve forgotten to care for? How do we step away from our habits of seeking immediate gratification, which often distances us from the deeper, slower processes of life and nature? I encourage you to take time to observe how things grow. Growth, in all its forms, is a reflection of time, energy, and patience. The first step to implementing solutions for environmental sustainability is to learn from nature itself, to understand the balance and interconnectedness of all living things.
To make this shift, we must cultivate empathy. Only when we develop a deep respect for the natural world can we begin to align our actions with the care it needs. Empathy allows us to connect with the world around us, motivating us to protect and care for it.
Participants:
Sakarit Chankaew
Over the years, I have been crafting terrariums as part of my creative practice and home decor, while designing captivating paradise gardens in both my backyard and front yard that reflect the charm and intricacy of my terrariums. This practice focuses on repurposing discarded objects to tackle overconsumption and ocean pollution, while embracing the philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” which finds beauty in transience and imperfection. It also focuses on understanding how plants thrive in confined environments, contributing to my long-term goal of creating greenhouses for remote communities to develop and foster sustainable living.
As a designer addressing the climate crisis and trash pollution, integrating used and unwanted materials into both 2D and 3D projects presents unique challenges. However, I believe artists/designers must reconsider the materials they use, prioritizing those that produce minimal emissions. Certain materials, such as plastic, can last for thousands of years. It is far better to repurpose what already exists than to create new materials, as recycling and deconstructing often require significant energy and labor, leading to more emissions. In this project, while using discarded bottles may not represent the most sustainable solution, it is a valuable starting point. It highlights how unwanted objects can be transformed into creations of new beauty, paving the way for more thoughtful and environmentally conscious design.
Coming from a Global South country, I value the beauty of tropical landscapes and plants while being aware of the natural disasters influenced by imperial nations. Now, having moved to New York, a Global North country, I am studying sustainable and environmental design while expanding my knowledge of plants that thrive in various environments, including plains, mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coasts. This knowledge helps me explore how plants can grow in controlled spaces, like bottles or containers, and guides my efforts to design greenhouses and growing spaces for remote communities in harshest conditions.
This project represents more than a creative endeavor—it is a reflection of my commitment to sustainable design and rethinking the potential of discarded materials. I hope to inspire others to see beauty in imperfection and rethink the value of materials often overlooked.
Aislinn Hird
Brooke Miller
Chase Robison
Chia-Yu Ho (Erin)
Emma O'Leary
Gabriella Testani
