Vivian Visser: Sculpting with Nature



Statement

My sculptures explore the deep, often subconscious connection between humanity and the natural world. By utilizing organic, grown materials and forms—whether branches, vines, or roots—I evoke states of being that both challenge and illuminate our separation from nature. These materials, removed from their familiar environments, offer an opportunity to reconsider our collective estrangement from the earth.

As a society, we have distanced ourselves from farms, forests, and the rhythms of nature, replacing them with human-made constructs. This shift has left us with an ineffable sense of loss, one that my work seeks to address. I use the vessel form—a structure found in nature itself—as a metaphor for refuge, representing the human consciousness. The condition of these vessels reflects the needs and state of the consciousness they contain, urging us to reflect on our own inner worlds.

Through anthropomorphized, hybrid forms, I blend plant, animal, and human characteristics, carefully crafting each piece to give the impression that it has grown organically. These sculptures invite viewers to reconsider the perceived divisions between life forms, awakening a deeper understanding of our shared, primordial past.

We may believe that we dominate nature, but the truth is, nature will always reset the balance, indifferent to human desires. A closer relationship with the natural world, one rooted in reverence, will inspire the desire to protect it. My work seeks to remind us of the beauty and fragility of that connection, rekindling a sense of responsibility to the earth.