Boreal Whispers

Boreal Whispers

large colorful kinetic sculpture
detail of sculpture

Boreal forest, Marianne Stoltz, Jennifer Moss
• cardboard, forest plants and animals, paper, acrylic •

“Boreal Whispers” is a kinetic sculpture crafted from recycled cardboard and natural elements from the forest. This work homages the resiliency and complexity of the forest ecosystem, where everything is intricately interconnected while recognizing our privileged life within this system. It is made of cardboard from tree matter, natural elements from the boreal forest, and forest-process-informed marks on paper by other artists in the larger exhibition.   

Mirrored surfaces are integrated into this work to encourage dialogue with the idea of “boreal forest,” providing an opportunity for reflection on how we each personally connect with the biome in which we live and that sustains us. The holes symbolize not knowing all the answers in this complex system. 

We invite you to consider our human responsibility as stewards of the forest. As the sculpture moves, the reflections shift—this is an ever-changing relationship that must be continuously reassessed for sustainability in the future. Our place within this biome is both significant and humbling. The connections we may feel are part of a large, complex, cohesive system where interdependence among beings is paramount to survival on Earth. 

The love of the outdoors has been an integral part of my life, guiding decisions from where to live to the themes of my art. I was born and raised in Germany, where I graduated from the Wood Carving School Berchtesgaden with a Journeyman degree. My explorations brought me to Fairbanks, where I have been carving and teaching at the Folk School since.

Website: folk.school

Jennifer Moss is a visual artist who uses contemporary visual elements to interpret the natural environment. Inspired by monochromatic winters, summer days brimming with light, and northern extreme weather events, Moss uses a range of mediums to explore figurative and abstract imagery and elusive connections within ecosystems. Moss studied at the Pacific Northwest College of Art and is an instructional designer and adjunct faculty at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Website: jmossart.com • Instagram: jmoss.art• Linkedin: 2farnorth