Jeremy Beaudry
Projects, Research & Texts

Nature Study, An Ambivalent Guide

2011 / Philadelphia, USA

The whole of humankind’s relationship to the natural world is characterized by a profound ambivalence. We construct the idea of Nature—and the animals, plants and land that comprise it—via multiple forms suited to our purposes: as the container for our romantic aspirations, as the personification of our best and worst qualities, as the material evidence of the work of our gods, as the terrifying and dangerous other, as the singular oneness to which we belong, as the fecund resource of raw materials that feeds our desires, as the wounded ward whom we must protect and conserve—and this is just the beginning. Using the specific ecosystem of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in Philadelphia as a site of exploration, “Nature Study, An Ambivalent Guide” catalogs a contemplation of the ambivalence that defines humankind’s complex relationship to the natural environment.

The lens through which I explore these ideas is the figure of the “amateur naturalist”, that unique and historical breed of nature lover who earnestly observes and documents her environment through close, methodical, sometimes eccentric, scrutiny and, often, pure love. In particular, I am interested in drawing source material for this persona from accounts of and references to the Nature Study movement, a resolutely American educational philosophy which stressed first-hand observation of the natural world while extolling the spiritual virtues of such communion with nature. I am interested in this character as a means to explore my own position as an outsider with respect to environmental subjects, thus confronting my role as a potential dilettante who is pursuing a project outside of my established area of research and artistic investigations. Also, as a figure often living at the nexus of science and spiritualism, the amateur naturalist provides an effective and engaging character through which to address this notion of ambivalence.

“Nature Study, An Ambivalent Guide” consists of a printed guidebook that contains texts, field notes, sketches, photographs, interviews, and secondary research material. Accompanying the guidebook are several physical markers placed along one of the walking trails which establish an itinerant narrative through the range of perspectives presented in the guidebook.

This project is produced in conjunction with the exhibition Facts and Fables: Stories of the Natural World at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in Philadelphia (June 18 – October 29, 2011).

Produced with generous support from The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.