I use absorbent papers and Silver Nitrate solutions to create Soil Photograms from soil solutions. This process is adapted from the Pfeiffer CC test. A former soil health assaying technique that has a debated scientific value, although it is still in use in some parts of the world. The mixtures of soil and silver nitrate are exposed to sunlight to develop the patterns
My arts practice has always been influenced by scientific methodologies and processes. I particularly like the Pfeiffer CC test as Pfeiffer was a scientist who was influenced by Rudolf Steiner. Steiner was a Spiritualist and a proponent of Goethean science. So perhaps, there is no surprise that this is qualitative method that captures the ‘spirit’ of a healthy soil. Although I take Spiritualism with a pinch of salt, Goethean scientific method has significant value in its variation on standard scientific method. In short it calls for a resistance to making hypotheses and a prolonged observational period. This has obvious implications for observational and phenomenological practices from the Social Sciences through to fine art and beyond.
Lastly, this is also a way of unlocking the metaphorical content of soil and allowing us to see it as the amazing world building substance and community that underpins life on Earth.
My arts practice has always been influenced by scientific methodologies and processes. I particularly like the Pfeiffer CC test as Pfeiffer was a scientist who was influenced by Rudolf Steiner. Steiner was a Spiritualist and a proponent of Goethean science. So perhaps, there is no surprise that this is qualitative method that captures the ‘spirit’ of a healthy soil. Although I take Spiritualism with a pinch of salt, Goethean scientific method has significant value in its variation on standard scientific method. In short it calls for a resistance to making hypotheses and a prolonged observational period. This has obvious implications for observational and phenomenological practices from the Social Sciences through to fine art and beyond.
Lastly, this is also a way of unlocking the metaphorical content of soil and allowing us to see it as the amazing world building substance and community that underpins life on Earth.
