Marquetry of several wood species

Those are the framed dimensions

As a climate scientist who studies the terrestrial biosphere, I am continuously confronted, amazed, and challenged by the interconnections that shape our world. This piece, “Intertwined”, is meant to give a sense of those interconnections, specifically in nature, and by extension between us humans. The marquetry consists of walnut, walnut burl, birdseye maple, cherry, and bubinga. I’ve noticed in my work, which involves building numerical models of soil and plant carbon and water cycling, that interconnections in the natural world often stabilize ecosystems, even in the face of dramatic disturbances. For example, symbiotic relationships, like those between soil fungi and plant roots facilitate plant survival under stressful conditions like nutrient or water deficits, while also supporting the fungi. The relationships of vines with trees, like those in this piece, may be more competitive than symbiotic, but are also a good example of how intertwined nature is. My hope here is to illustrate these connections and encourage contemplation of nature’s interconnectivity. Extrapolating (a lot!) beyond what a single image might accomplish, I hope that such contemplation could also encourage people to recognize the deep interconnections between all of us.

As a marquetry artist and climate scientist, I try to link the beauty of nature with the urgency of environmental challenges. Each piece is a narrative crafted from diverse wood veneers that attempts to symbolize these challenges and our relationship to them. Through this art, I aim to inspire reflection and action, highlighting the delicate balances and interconnectedness of our planet and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world.