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We are group 8, focusing on the Biodiversity Heritage Library.

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When we initially met with Elena, we were not sure which direction our project would go in and discussed creating an exhibition on a timeline but had no further ideas at this time.

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Our group's first two ideas from the Biodiversity Heritage Library were: we were (at this point in the process) interested in pursuing a project pertaining to plant life (trees or flowers) and the cultural symbols in each of our different cultures.

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Our conclusion so far was that would will conduct an exhibition observing the symbolism of specific trees or flowers in each of our different cultures and countries (being England, China and South Korea), looking at this through an environmental and conservational lens.

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Embracing climate optimism... as a big idea?

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Embracing climate optimism... as a big idea?

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At this point in the project, we had deviated from out first plan and now had a focus on climate change and the notion of "earth optimism". Our first Big Idea in the making detailed an exhibition that displayed: "A movement to shift the conservation conversation from one of doom and gloom to hope and optimism"

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Earth Optimism as our initial Big Idea...

1. Anxiety about climate change and endangered species

2. Sustainable innovation

3. Social movement

4. Transitions from anxiety to optimism

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Reflections after our second meeting with Elena...

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Reflections after our second meeting with Elena...

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We came to the conclusion in this meeting that the overall idea was good so far however it need an added element of conclusion at the end, a sort of rounding the research off: add a section of possible solutions. After creating a positive influence on the audience by conveying a transition from anxiety to optimism surrounding the climate crisis... display possible solutions to said issues.

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This is an example of our notes surrounding further ideas of the title and the Big Idea. Our Big Idea at this stage stated that we would curate: "An exhibition with the intention of bringing to light the problems in our current world and how we can shift the perspective towards and brighter future", and our idea for the title was 'A Shift in Perspective'.

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We ended up finalising the title of our exhibition as 'Earth Optimism: Nature Speaks to Those Who Listen'. We felt this title encapsulated the notions that we aimed to convey throughout the narrative of the story; the exhibition aims to reflect a story from ecological pessimism to highlighted how 'embrace' as a final stage helps us move towards a better future.

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Meetings to discuss title and design ideas...

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Meetings to discuss title and design ideas...

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Earth Optimism: Nature Speaks to Those Who Listen

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Earth Optimism: Nature Speaks to Those Who Listen

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This title idea came from the Shakespeare quote "the earth has music for those who listen". The quote is about being attentive to the things that make life beautiful. We have altered it's meaning to conveying the idea of being attentive to our planet and our environment to further push our point of embracing Earth Optimism.

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In an era often defined by environmental pessimism, “Nature Speaks to Those Who Listen” provides a counter-narrative that champions hope and possibility.

It is a call to embrace Earth Optimism, and to view environmental challenges as opportunities for action.

Nature Speaks to Those Who Listen is an online exhibition created by MA students Anna Waring, Yoon Jisu and Zhang Yanmiao in reference to the collection of the Biodiversity Heritage Library.

Image: The birds of America: from drawings made in the United States and their territories Article: Roseate Spoonbill, Platalea ajaja, Linn. [PI.362]

Alt text: Painterly image of an Egret bird standing in front of watercolour reeds and leaves.

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Biodiversity Heritage Library Exhibition News Story

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The design of our exhibition was expertly conducted by Yanmiao who carefully curated a selection of cover images to accompany our interpretation.

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Example from part 1: The Earth Transformed by Human Actions

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Example from part 1: The Earth Transformed by Human Actions

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Evidence of early concerns surrounding the topic of climate change and species endangerment of plants and animals in the Biodiversity Heritage Library is Eunice Foote’s “Circumstances affecting the Heat of the Sun's Rays” which was the first to propose that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could contribute to global warming.

Silliman, B. 1856. The American journal of science and arts. Pp. 382-383. New-Haven, S. Converse. Available from: https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/46660438#page/398/mode/2up

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Cattle Use of Regenerating Deciduous Cutblocks. This project shows that cattle do not prefer the local plant communities in the regenerated deciduous forest areas, particularly aspen cutblocks. This project achieves an effective and sustainable combination of forestry regeneration and cattle grazing.

Hincz, Carcey. 2007. Campbell Creek timber - grazing demonstration : cattle use of regenerating deciduous cutblocks. Grande Prairie, Alta, Sustainable Resource Development, Rangeland Management Branch. Available from: https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/198386#page/1/mode/1up

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Example from part 2: Transition to Social Movements

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Example from part 2: Transition to Social Movements

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In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, birds with vibrant colors and soft feathers were hunted for use in women's hat decorations in the fashion industry. The desire for beauty among early modern European women led to the sacrifice of millions of birds. However, this crisis evolved into social movements for animal protection, creating a crucial turning point in the effort to preserve biodiversity.

Portraits and habits of our birds, Pearson, T, Gilbert(Thomas Gilbert), 1873-1943

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Example from part 4: The Shift from Earth Anxiety to Optimism

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Example from part 4: The Shift from Earth Anxiety to Optimism

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Curiosity Cloud raises awareness about threats to the natural world. Each light bulb contains a handmade insect model representing species that are extinct or endangered in New York. It emphasizes the vital role small insects play in ecosystems. The piece expresses hope for positive change in addressing environmental challenges.

Curiosity Cloud. Katharina Mischer, Thomas Traxler (2015–2019) Smithsonian Design Museum (Smithsonian Collection)

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Overall reflection on my own learning...

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Overall reflection on my own learning...

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The creation of this interpretation has proved to be incredibly useful and educational, the most important element that I have learnt being that everyone in the group has to compromise somehow. We only got to the point of this finalised exhibition through compromised, communicative collaboration.

Thank you to my group mates Yanmiao and Jisu!