Edge Effects is a participatory project that takes inspiration from nature to shape an ongoing series of artist residencies with schools in East London.
Edge Effects borrows its title from an ecological phenomenon that occurs in the space where the tree line of a forest meets a field, or land meets water. This natural convergence creates an area of unique biodiversity where overlapping communities become all the richer for their mutual interactions.
Artist workshops in school gardens and classrooms adopted a slow approach, guided by principles of permaculture to observe and interact. Activities included looking closely at trees and absorbing the histories of herbs to create light-touch responses through drawing, words and weaving. As urgent as it is timeless, Edge Effects is a project about our stewardship of the planet and promotion of a mindful understanding of our place in nature. In taking time to observe a leaf, to listen and learn from its stories, we ask: might an oak tree or a sprig of rosemary impart their valuable wisdom if we look for long enough?
Lead artist Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck, featuring contributions by writer and gardener Sonya Patel Ellis and artist Sam Ayre. Project led by curator and artist Kirsty Lowry in collaboration with teachers and students from Vicarage Primary School and Plashet School in Newham, East London.