Interlock

Lauren James-Davies

See it On Campus: Level 2

Across from the Library

Visitor Info

Judith Warren Painting Award — Winner

Interlock, 2025, watercolour, 22 by 30 inches each.

Interlock explores the forged relationships between nature and the artificial, specifically investigating the connections formed between human-made structures and the plants observed within one forest. I have lived on a street adjacent to this particular forest for most of my life. Decades ago, there were proposals to demolish and encroach upon this forest; however, those plans never materialized, resulting in this street becoming a meeting space between ‘urban life’ and ‘nature.’ Despite the forest’s perseverance, they are not untouched by human influence. Numerous trails have been carved into the landscape, and the large Douglas firs, Western Hemlocks, and Western Redcedars have far more trail markers hammered into them than necessary. Fences topped with barbed wire surround a hefty metal dam, and drainage grates are scattered across the street near the forest’s edge. Above, power lines extend for miles, and beneath them, a double-track gravel path is reinforced with welded wire mesh that occasionally protrudes awkwardly from the ground. All this and more exists within this one forest, showing how even in this ‘natural’ setting, significant human interference remains prevalent. A notable observation about these interventions is their metallic nature, as they have been designed to endure. Despite the obvious contrasts, these metal structures and the surrounding natural environment have formed connections. In these watercolour works, I highlight the numerous relationships formed through the weaving and overlapping of various plants, most notably Western Hemlocks, Western Redcedars, and Armenian Blackberries; however, the relationships between these plants and human structures lack this fluidity, drawing attention to their artificial bond. Despite their decades-long coexistence, the forced mingling of the ‘natural’ and the ‘synthetic’ is unmistakable. Through Interlock, I aim to illustrate the irrevocable impact human activity has had on the landscape while also emphasizing the resilience of forest ecosystems and their ability to endure despite all odds.

My current artistic practice revolves around ecology and citizen science. In particular, I am interested in interacting with and documenting various non-human beings inhabiting local forests, with almost all my works inspired by these meaningful interactions. I find significant importance in not only learning about but also educating others regarding ecology, as understanding a being or place is the first step toward caring for them. Consequently, I have created various works, ranging from small field guides to large-scale watercolour installations, that recount the stories and knowledge I have gained from my subject matter. Watercolour is my preferred medium, as its loose nature is ideal for capturing the diverse textures and colours found in nature. To me, this medium is a perfect blend of drawing and painting, allowing for both fluidity and intricate detail, which pairs perfectly with my style and subject matter. Through my work, I hope to magnify small beings and interactions into larger-than-life scenes that thoughtfully capture the immense multiplicity that nature has to offer.