You're Never Alone, Even When You Want to Be

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Margot Lockwood

Abstract or Description

Microbes constantly surround us and are vital to life, but the common person rarely things about microbial life. The current state of the world is plagued with loneliness and isolation, though simultaneously people are more connected than ever with the ability to connect and stay connected using modern technology. The pandemic has impacted relationships and has brought more interest and fear towards microbes. My body of work “Even when you think you’re alone, you’re not,” explores microbes, isolation, relationships, and loneliness. This interdisciplinary creative project plays fun on the idea that you are constantly surrounded by microbes and aims to bring to light the unseen world. To create this work, I drew inspiration from questions I asked friends about loneliness and microbiology. Additionally, I cultured objects related to myself and loneliness, such as cellphones, grass, my face, and blankets. I am using the patterns and colors of the microbes that grew for inspiration to create paintings, drawings, and textiles. This work aims to spark conversation about loneliness and to generate excitement and interest towards microbiology. Once the body of work is complete, I hope to show the work at a gallery in an interactive exhibition where visitors can culture their own microbiomes or objects that are meaningful to them!

Mentor

Ben Sikes