Can our interconnectedness inspire us towards unity in a time of climate and cultural crisis? Heather Bird Harris is an artist dedicating her life and work towards this effort. Inspired by nature and interested in the human effect on it, Heather has been creating work that responds to and captures the land. From polluted water collected on the banks of the Mississippi River to foraged marigolds, to clay dug up from her own from yard, Heather uses site specific materials to explore behavior, change, reaction and flow.
In this episode we share a powerful and intense conversation about our collective history and how it is connected to our current environmental crisis. From the impact of colonialism on the city of New Orleans and its land to the damage we see in our own backyards, evidence is everywhere of the great things we are losing due to corporate greed and continued climate change. But somehow amidst these heavy topics, I walked away from my conversation with Heather feeling inspired and uplifted. Heather believes that beauty is what will draw us in and invite us towards healing, not fear. Her work is her testament to this belief and it is evident upon first glance.
Heather spent most of her adult life in the great city of New Orleans. It is where she had her babies and started her family, where her career in education and social activism was born. She spent many years as a teacher, principle, and anti-racism educator before her experience of motherhood brought her back to her first love… art.
Listen to this incredibly powerful episode to hear more about Heather’s work and her journey as an educator, artist, and activist. You will be inspired by Heather’s call for intention and care and reminded of your place in this interconnected web of community we are building as you listen.
Final Five:
Biggest Art Crush: Anne Hamilton, Helen Frankelthaler, Georgia O’Keeffe, Rick Lowe, Renee Royale
Dream Trip: Japan
Inspiring Film or Book: Braiding Sweetgrass
Favorite Meal: Sushi
Shoutout: Josh her husband
To see more of Heather’s work please visit her website and follow her on IG @heatherbirdharris
The Artist/Mother podcast is created and hosted by Kaylan Buteyn. You can see more of Kaylan’s work on her website or connect with her on Instagram @kaylanbuteyn
