Featured image: Assumption, Amy Wendland, 2023, colored pencil and ink on fragaria ovalis herbarium sample, 27.5 x 21 in. / 69.85 x 53.34 cm.
Amy Wendland’s artworks explore the intricate relationship between history, nature, and humanity.
Amy Wendland is an interdisciplinary artist whose works explore connections between history, nature, and humanity using botanical samples, graphite, and vivid detail.
Combining colored pencils, ink, and graphite, Wendland transforms botanical and cultural artifacts into evocative narratives. She delves into themes of redemption, adaptation, and resilience, creating a unique dialogue between medieval theology, ecological phenomena, and ancestral traditions.
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Assumption, Amy Wendland, 2023, colored pencil and ink on fragaria ovalis herbarium sample, 27.5 x 21 in. / 69.85 x 53.34 cm.
In Assumption (2023), Wendland reimagines medieval Christian theology by merging botany and spirituality. Using a Fragaria ovalis herbarium sample, she juxtaposes the strawberry, a symbol of the Virgin Mary, with the apple, linked to Eve. The composition’s Gothic architectural frame and symbolic imagery portray the Virgin Mary’s ascension as the triumph of redemption. The piece’s vivid details—fluttering butterflies, ripe fruit, and luminous clouds—create a sense of movement and transcendence. This work encapsulates humanity’s desire for spiritual elevation while acknowledging the imperfections of its earthly roots.
Kelp 10pm, Amy Wendland, 2006, graphite on paper, 8 x 8 in. / 20.32 x 20.32 cm.
Kelp 10pm (2006) offers a minimalist yet deeply engaging exploration of nature’s complexity. Rendered in graphite, the tangled kelp forms a chaotic yet harmonious composition. Wendland’s use of precise shading and texture brings a three-dimensional quality to the piece, emphasizing the organic interconnectivity of the strands. The monochromatic palette invites viewers to reflect on the raw beauty of natural forms and the hidden order within chaos, embodying the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
Migration, Amy Wendland, 2023, colored pencil on yucca glauca herbarium sample, 21 x 16 in. / 53.34 x 40.64 cm.
In Migration (2023), Wendland draws attention to the Ancestral Puebloans and their extraordinary resilience during periods of environmental upheaval. The yucca glauca herbarium sample serves as both medium and historical artifact, with intricately plaited yucca sandals symbolizing the practicality and ingenuity of desert survival. Wendland’s use of earthy tones and botanical precision bridges past and present, highlighting how communities adapted to drastic climate shifts. This piece underscores the enduring connection between humans and their environment, even in the face of immense challenges.
Amy Wendland’s works weave a tapestry of history, nature, and resilience, offering a nuanced perspective on humanity’s interdependence with the natural world. Through her use of botanical samples and precise detailing, she bridges temporal and cultural divides, inviting viewers to reflect on their own place within these interconnected narratives. Wendland’s art serves as a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity that define both nature and humanity.
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