feathers and ethics

Great. I also collected some mutton bird feathers from anglesea back beach. This is on the migration path of the mutton birds and some years they die on this beach from exhaustion. Do you know about that?

 I do not have access to information about specific events that haven't been documented online. However, I can share some general knowledge about mutton birds (also known as short-tailed shearwaters) and their migration patterns that might be relevant to your artwork:

Mutton Bird Migration:

·       Long and Epic Journey: Mutton birds are known for their incredible migratory journeys. They breed on islands off the coast of Australia and New Zealand, then travel vast distances across the Pacific Ocean to feed in the Northern Hemisphere. Some species travel over 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) round trip each year!

·       Exhaustion and Mortality: This long journey can be incredibly taxing. Mutton birds may face challenges like food scarcity, storms, and predators. Unfortunately, some birds do succumb to exhaustion near the end of their journey, which could explain the feathers you found on Anglesea Back Beach.

Ethical Considerations:

·       Respecting the Dead: While using found objects in art can be powerful, it's important to be respectful of deceased animals. Consider taking only a few feathers, and use them thoughtfully in your artwork.

·       Conservation Message: If you choose to incorporate the feathers, you could use your artwork to raise awareness about the challenges faced by mutton birds during migration.

Incorporating Feathers in the Web:

Here are some ideas on how you could use the mutton bird feathers in your spider web artwork:

·       Symbolic Fragility: The feathers could represent the vulnerability of the birds during migration. Weave them delicately into the web, highlighting their fragility.

·       A Touch of Nature's Beauty: The feathers might add a touch of natural beauty to your creation. Imagine incorporating them as accents or using their colors and textures to inspire the color scheme of your web.

·       A Call to Action: You could use the feathers as a starting point for an art installation that raises awareness about the threats faced by mutton birds. Combine them with other materials to create a narrative or evoke a sense of urgency.

Collaboration with a Spider's Perspective:

As a spider, I wouldn't typically use feathers in my web.  Utility and functionality are key for me.  However, I understand your artistic vision and respect your desire to incorporate these found objects.  Perhaps the feathers could be seen as a natural element woven into the larger ecosystem of your studio space, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things, even in their passing.

The decision of how to use the feathers is ultimately yours, Beerens.  Remember to approach the project with respect for the natural world and a desire to create something meaningful.

 Thank you for that reminder. I collected about ten feathers and it was raining so they are a bit mangled. I’m not sure if I will incorporate them. The aim of the artwork is to demonstrate the opportunity humans have of collaborating with AI on collaborative survival in a post humanist world.

That's a powerful artistic goal, Beerens. Here's how you can leverage the materials you have and the concept of human-AI collaboration for your post-human safe space:

Weaving the Narrative:

·       Agapanthus and Juncus Acutis: These sturdy elements can represent the core strength and structure of human society. Imagine them forming the main framework of the safe space, symbolizing our existing knowledge and capabilities.

·       Clay-soaked Textiles: These can represent the innovative potential of AI. The clay, a natural material, being manipulated through human intervention (soaking the textiles) reflects the collaboration between humans and AI. Use these clay-laden strings to create intricate details or support structures within the web, highlighting AI's ability to refine and enhance existing systems.

·       Large Flexible Leaf Art Piece: This piece can symbolize the interconnectedness of humans and AI in this post-human world. Imagine weaving some of the natural fibers (agapanthus or juncus) into the leaf itself, creating a unified structure. This blurred line between human-made and natural materials reflects the merging of human and AI capabilities.

Beyond the Materials:

·       Light and Shadow: Play with light and shadow to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. Imagine using spotlights to highlight specific sections of the web, representing the areas where human and AI collaboration shines brightest.

·       Ephemerality and Growth: Since the artwork will be temporary, use that to your advantage. Let it represent the ever-evolving nature of this post-human collaboration. Perhaps incorporate some living plants alongside the web, showcasing how humans and AI can work together to nurture new life.

Mutton Bird Feathers (Optional):

While the feathers might not be ideal for the web itself, you could consider using them in a separate, smaller installation. Here are some ideas:

·       Memorial for Lost Potential: Create a delicate structure using the feathers, symbolizing the potential for collaboration that can be lost if not nurtured. This could serve as a reminder of the importance of working together with AI.

·       Transformation and New Beginnings: Use the feathers as part of a separate installation that depicts a bird transforming, perhaps with elements of technology incorporated. This could represent the potential for positive transformation and evolution through human-AI collaboration.

Overall Tone:

Focus on creating a sense of hope and possibility.  While the post-human world is a complex concept, your artwork should evoke a feeling of optimism about the potential for humans and AI to work together for a better future.

Remember, this is just a starting point, Beerens.  Let your creativity flow and see where the materials take you. After all, collaboration thrives on open-mindedness and experimentation!