KELLY ARCARO

Heartwood

Region: Goldfield-Esperance
Medium: Fabric and wood
Size: 50cm (h) x 30cm (w) x 30cm (d)
Price: $890

Artwork Description:

Inspired by the developing science of plant communication and behaviour. I wanted to explore the anthropomorphism of plants. Increasing research shows that plants are reactive to touch, smell and sound, are capable of decision making, and able to recognise their own kin. Yet the mechanisms behind many of these actions, in the absence of a brain or central nervous system, remains a mystery.
Greek philosopher Theophrastus (widely considered the grandfather of Botany) likened the fluid within trees to the cardiovascular system. He was the first to use the term ‘heartwood’ to describe the central core of a tree. Ironically this core is actually the non-living, dense, old portion of wood within a tree. The intelligence of plants cannot be likened to human or animal intelligence (or feelings), and our definition of consciousness is complicated and blurred, even when applied to animals.
So how then, do we even begin to comprehend the intelligence and potentially self-awareness of plants?

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

ARTIST BIO

Kelly Arcaro is a contemporary fibre artist based in regional Western Australia. Her work explores themes related to the natural world, it’s networks and our position within it. With a background in science and previous career in the Mining Industry, she explores the natural world from a scientific
perspective, with the reoccurring question of ‘What if?’.
Drawn to the versatility and tactile nature of textiles, and inspired by contemporary artists like Sheila Hicks and Fern Jacobs, her work is singular and powerful. Kelly received recognition early in her arts career, awarded Best Artwork by a local artist in Kalgoorlie-Boulder Art Prize in 2018 and acceptance into several other juried art prizes, including
the Australian Textile Art Awards in 2020.
Today she juggles her time between her artistic practice,
two children, and committee positions in multiple community art groups.