Artist Entry: Nellie Appleby

Nellie Appleby identifies herself as a "plant lisason." She is a former student of my current professor. Appleby began her studies in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Virginia and then moved on to receive her masters from Virginia Commonwealth University. I was fortunate to hear Nellie Appleby speak about her work almost a year ago when she stopped by to give a short visiting artist lecture.

Appleby creates photograms on light senstive fabric which she then pairs with other objects, creating a mixed media sculpture. Her pieces usually entail live plants and televisions sets, a series she has named, "Complicating Matters and Scenarios". I wish I could remember more about this particular piece, but my memory is foggy and I could not find an artist statment.

I do recall that she seemed deeply passionate about nature especially gardens. She grew and maintained several gardens around Richmond and New York, even succeeded in creating even her own minituare lawn. I believe she desired to do so in order to bring some greenery to the urban landscape.

One of my favorite photographs are those taken at night time in her garden. Titled, "nocturnal garden" has an air of mysticim and romanticism. The highlighted areas show the wildness of the garden and Appleby herself, reflective and examining her surroundings.

Nellie Appleby has taken several other natural projects underway. Having worked with Tricyle Gardens, a group dedicated to organic gardening in Richmond, Virginia, Appleby has launched Kitchen Garden Builders and Coaching. This program is designed to help people learn how to gorw their own food organically. Appleby is a strong advocate for enviromental justice, her work and strong involvement in gardening is very admirable, even more so during this "go green" era.

I am very inspired by her actions. I know that she is currently doing an artist residency in the keys to continue her work. From her blog, The Pleasures of Gardening, Appleby has a lot of exposure to the outdoors. I have recently asked my friend Griffin who has a farm if I could come help this summer. I am very curious about how things grow. Hopefully I will get some interesting farm adventures some day...