Ecotechnologies of practice: sensing with trees, peoples, machines, outdoor art and smartforests science

During the research-creation process, several emergent themes included how to create public experiences bridging arts and sciences, and ways of working in situ and in public spaces amidst varying weather conditions. We brought previously collected forest data into new spatial and temporal ensembles, enabling new relationalities between locations.

Additionally, collaborating with a local scaffolding company permitted to address aspects of temporary architectural art installations produced with aluminum tubes). It's interesting to note that scientists also create temporary structures with scaffolding out in the field, to reach high locations and to place sensors on trees.

In the context of these outdoor art installations, scaffolding permitted to enhance existing elements generally employed in sites of construction, renovation or even emergencies. IN the context of MÉDIANE, scaffolding participate in the building of a temporary site for climate change art and discussions. The electrical needs of the installations was also explored, as well as making art in public spaces, without creating waste.

The research delved into the role of movement with data, within artistic and scientific practice.

We integrated diverse students, artists, and professionals annually during special events, performances and workshops to highlight other research practices, despite the pandemic challenges in the early years of the research program.

Furthermore, this collaborative effort contributed to the development of the concept of "ecotechnologies of practice", where trees, arts, sciences and public practices converge to craft problem-solving techniques through creativity .

Amidst this endeavour, the desire was to continually deepen understandings and sensings with trees, living beings, and their ecological processes.

The ultimate installation was presented in May-June 2024, near a family of poplars and the Saint-Lawrence River (Kaniatarowanénhne in Mohawk language and Magtogoek in Ojibwe). This location extended the link between water and trees for life-living.

Our approach to outdoor art engages publics differently by incorporating the immersive conditions of the site itself as well as tactile sound explorations, aiming to forge deeper connections to the immediate location and its unique topography and soundscapes, as well as engaging the sensory receptors of touch and hearing. All artworks are situated in open scaffolding structures , fully exposed to weather conditions, rather than being confined to galleries or museums. This setup allows any publics to experience scientific research on climate change and trees through an artistic lens, rather than through scientific explanations or cultural mediation.

The annual installations act as " relational zones " where other artists, scientists, and researchers present and discuss various topics freely. The installations provide a physical platform for reading circles, involvement of Indigenous artists, exploration of medicinal plants, sensory ethnography, performative cartography, performance art, poetry, sound performances, and drawing.

We also produced the Mobile (climate) Station, micro-installations of the larger outdoor installations, which circulate on a bike trailer, with AV equipment, an energy system, solar panels and a biking team. We explored issues about trees, climate change, mobility , energy, and accessibility, in different locations.

As part of the larger process, anonymous semi-directed interviews were conducted, with the seventh question proving particularly inspirational: "Does the experience of this artwork inspire you to do something creative about climate change?"

Below is a sampling of answers to Question 7:

Improvise on piano

Hang poems on tree branches

Make a priority in my life

Buy sensors, listen to trees

Do something with my granddaughter

Education for All

Perceive the reality of trees

Paint trees, already paints birds

Do activities with children

Work with art and science

Work with elders

Link art-science-psycho-spirituality

Bring trees in the centre of life

Walk breathe creatively

Make room for other life forms

Science is imagination

Work with low tech

Put a camera in the garden

Observe and document trees

Record environmental sounds

Live in a tree

Take care

Take photos

Transform the world

Increase the intensity of trees

Cultivate the land

Explore sound materiality through contact, touch

More sensuality

Think of a partnership arts-sciences-publics

Listen

Create instruments

Create a hydrogen vehicle

Plant a tree

Cultivate forests, gardens

Create comics with natural decors

Help others to be creative

Try not to use paper

Consider biodiversity

Do volunteer work about food

Be an agent of change

As Indian writer Amitav Ghosh has argued in his book The Great Derangement (2017), "the climate crisis is a cultural crisis that results from a dearth of the imagination." The comments collected from peoples participating in the semi-directed interviews brings poignant variety while pointing the role of creativity when experienced with and in change.