Rachel Lodge explores the carbon cycle through hand-drawn, science-based images and animation excerpts that explore the flow of carbon through natural systems as well as our own fossil fuel emissions. 

Meet the artist at a reception on Thursday, February 1st from 5 to 7pm in the Miller Library.

Using simple visualizations of phenomena that are mostly too small or too large for our ordinary human perception, she explores the movement of carbon through photosynthesis, carbon cycling in the ocean (e.g., through plankton, krill, whales), exchange of carbon and oxygen through trees; even the human breath and our own bodies.  By bringing some of these processes more fully into imagination the exhibit invites viewers to consider themselves as carbon stewards whose actions have planetary significance.

The exhibit will also present a series of carbon-based objects including forest tree ring samples from North Cascades National Park.

Rachel began exhibiting her work in 1990.  Her earlier work includes figurative and landscape painting and small painted sculpture.  She began working with animations of carbon and climate-related imagery in 2014; her first animated video was created for Seattle non-profit Climate Solutions.  Her artwork has appeared in group exhibitions in California and Washington, including Yosemite National Park, the Sonoma Museum of Visual Art and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Her animations have been shown at the Living Future Unconference and the Burke Museum. Her previous solo exhibit was at Edmonds Community College.