Symbiosis

“Symbiosis”

Pronunciation: "sim-bE-'O-s&s, -" Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural sym·bi·o·ses /-"sEz/
Etymology: New Latin, from German Symbiose, from Greek symbiOsis state of living together, from symbioun to live together, from symbios living together, from syn- + bios life –

1 : the living together in more or less intimate association or close union of two dissimilar organisms
2 : the intimate living together of two dissimilar organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship
3 : a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups)

The title for this exhibition came to me when I was walking through the lush rainforest (in this case a cloud forest) in Montaverde- Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is known for its eco tourism and the local guides take great pride in educating the tourists about the wonders of the natural environment that they live in. Ecological symbiotic relationships are abundant in the rainforest and it led my mind to contemplate the nature of our relationship with ourselves and the world around us, and just how fragile this is.

Whether we recognize it or not we are all part of one living breathing organism.
Inspired by the natural environment and the flow of creative energy that comes with travel I have gained a sense of hope that we are recognizing this more and more and beginning to seek new relationships that allow us as a species to live in a more harmonious symbiotic relationship with ourselves, each other and the worlds around us.
Of course there is s still much senseless destruction to overcome but the challenge is for each one of us to find ways of living that not only benefit the self but the world we create and inhabit.

Stepping out of the world of doing into the world of being I am given the opportunity to reflect on the journey and explore the statement mouthed by all great spiritual advisors-`We are all One` The creative journey isnt something you complete; a product is something you finish. It's the difference between a trip and a spiritual journey.

Human Beings did not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves.
-- Chief Seattle

I have gathered the majority of materials used in this collection from the countries I have visited overseas. The floral motifs come from, Borneo and the Maldives. The Bindis from India and Sri Lanka, the paper (made from Elephant dung) from the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, Shells from, Borneo (Turtle Island) and Costa Rica , Chinese coins from San Francisco and other little bits and pieces that I have collected in my day today life.

Please take the time to read the information on display to learn a little more about what is happening with some of our animals and their natural environment. Thank you for coming, I hope you enjoy the exhibition- smiles Margi