The Edge of Life

The concept behind The Edge of Life began with a simple observation by Dr. David Kulhavy, who perceived the delight artists experienced when they were introduced to the Forest Pathology lab in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at SFASU. They were intrigued not only by the forms of the pathogens, but also how the pathogens affect their hosts and are influenced by their environment. When Dr. Kulhavy shared his observations with the university’s art faculty, and in particular with Michelle Rozic, whose recent work incorporates ecological ideas, the concept of a collaborative art and science, Edge of Life took root.
The arts and sciences are linked in a long, interdependent tradition. Art delves into humanity’s internal questions about our understanding of our place within nature. Science delves into the external mechanics of nature in search of similar knowledge and understanding of these problems. Art imaginatively makes visible intangible ideas by placing abstract concepts into concrete form. Forest pathology makes evident forest diseases through identifying signs and symptoms of forest pathogens. The Edge of Life pairs art work and specimen and provides the catalyst for discussion regarding how pathogens and invasive species affect the health of our forests, and how artists communicate concerns about contemporary ecological issues, translating their ideas through their media. Pathogens and invasive species have an inherent allure. The forms can be beautiful and repulsive, elegant in simplicity and complexity. Awareness of pathogens leads to understanding their mechanics, which develops cognizance on how our actions affect global, natural health. Forest pathologists study the unseen microscopic diseases through the visible symptoms—such as shelf fungi, known as conks or sporophores—learning to read the health of a forest ecosystem through the health of individual trees. The disease triangle illustrates the intrinsically linked co-dependency of Host-Pathogen-Environment. Pathogens transfer between and depend on host/s for survival and reproduction. Environment enables rapid spread of pathogens. Transference of pathogens is fertile ground for lessons of human behavior through artistically illuminated metaphor.