Seen and Heard : Bill Riley : Interconnections We Notice

I am very interested in interconnections in nature, how they relate to human behavior, and, relevant to this call for art, how long they take to develop and how they change over time. In this marquetry piece, which shows two trees with interconnecting roots, the relationship must have occurred over the lifetime of the trees, and it is likely ongoing and changing. Further, interactions are also happening with the surrounding soil, other vegetation, and the atmosphere. All of which is to say that natural systems are very complex and dynamic, yet often sustaining. As a marquetarian, word fabricator, and climate scientist, I try to link the beauty of nature with the urgency of environmental challenges. Each piece is a narrative crafted from diverse wood veneers that attempts to symbolize these challenges and our relationships to them and nature. Through this art, I aim to inspire reflection and action, highlighting the delicate balances and interconnectedness of our planet and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world.