Playing With Nature

The concept of Playing With Nature started with a research project about the art of playing cards. By combining anthropology, art history, and studio art in my research, I was able to take a well rounded, multi-lensed approach to playing cards as an artistic object. Playing cards have been around since the early Middle Ages (800-1100 CE), originating in China. I found that different societies throughout time have used this common object as an art medium in diverse and unexpected ways. Whether they are being used to reinforce social values, reflect cultural features, or incite protest, playing cards can serve as a useful and versatile tool of communication. Because of this, the illustrations and visual language used to decorate playing cards serve as a lens by which we can explore cultural concerns and social organization. I chose to add to the plethora of unique subject matter by designing and printing my own deck of cards focused on the native botanical and mycological life of New York State. Rather than Clubs, Hearts, Diamonds, and Spades, I use Trees, Fruits, Mushrooms, and Flowers to embody the four suits, with each card being represented by a carefully selected and designed native species of the New York State Capital Region. I wanted to draw attention to the importance of biodiversity, an awareness of one's own natural surroundings, and the threat that invasive species pose to the ecological balance of our area.