The Verdancy Project Residency
Video of a Frontonia ciliate found in Beaver Creek which runs through The Verdancy Project property.
In July 2022 I participated in The Verdancy Project, a residency program for the scientifically and naturally curious creatives based in Troutdale, Oregon, and run by artist and curator Shannon Amidon. The Verdancy Project allows artists access to a large parcel of land, water, and all its resources. No artistic output is specified for the residency, following Shannon’s philosophy that artists need time to reflect, explore, and rest to do their best work.
The Verdancy Project has continued to generously allow me access to the property and continues to host a wide variety of artists and events. Here I sampled the creek and collected ferns to experiment with algaetypes.
I spent two weeks in early July exploring the property and sampling from multiple locations along the Columbia River, beginning my Columbia River Confluences project. I sampled from multiple water sources on The Verdancy Project grounds as well. Many of the organisms I observed in the samples are featured in my Columbia River confluence poster.
Due to its proximity to Mt. Hood, I was able to visit the snowfields on the mountain and collect blood snow, a type of red algae that grows in extreme conditions. I also sampled from the Sandy River, Willamette River, and many other locations. My time was spent sampling, enjoying exploring a new area, and live streaming from my microscope daily. I also experimented with making cyanotypes using projectors and making pigments from blood snow algae.
Sadly my residency was cut short by the rapid decline in my father’s health due to cancer. I left a bit early so that I could fly back to the Midwest to be with my family. My father passed away later that July. I’ll always reflect on how The Verdancy Project allowed me respite before facing the loss of my father.
Since my residency, I’ve visited the property again and continue to appreciate Shannon, Bobb, and Sabine’s hospitality and generosity. I know I’ll be visiting again for future projects like the Terra Incognita land art installation and participating in workshops.
