Ep # 85: The Art of Environmental Empathy: Conversation with Christine Forni

Summary of the episode

Join me for a deep dive into the world of multidisciplinary artist Christine Forni, whose work beautifully weaves together themes of nature, science, and environmental empathy. In this conversation, we explore how Christine's childhood in the industrial landscapes of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Detroit created the foundation for her unique artistic practice that examines the tension between urban environments and natural spaces. We dive into her transformative time in Paris, her dual residencies researching botanical collections and colonial bone specimens, and her newest venture, Green Garnet Press—an artist-run project fostering community engagement through art. This episode is all about the intricate relationship between art, nature, and social responsibility, and how artists can contribute positively to their surroundings while encouraging others to explore their own creativity outdoors.

What we talk about

• Christine's childhood next to a forest preserve in industrial Detroit and how it shapes her art today
• Her bold move to Paris in 2015 and the dual residencies that changed her perspective
• The fascinating intersection of art and science in her practice
• Green Garnet Press and building community through artist-run projects
• Environmental empathy and the artist's role in social consciousness
• How personal experiences and place deeply impact creative processes
• The importance of accountability and support in artistic practice
• Learning and growing in creative spaces (plus my own live radio learning journey!)

Chapters:

• 00:32 - Introduction to noseyAF Live
• 06:57 - Introducing Christine Forni: A Journey of Art and Life
• 19:10 - Engaging with Nature Through Art
• 25:41 - Artistic Residencies and Nature's Influence
• 34:33 - The Spiritual Connection to Nature
• 37:37 - The Artistic Journey of Christine Forni
• 48:30 - Generosity in Artistic Practice
• 54:50 - Shifting Practices: The Impact of Color and Community on Art
• 01:00:01 - Exploring the Concept of Art Residencies

Things We Mentioned

• Green Garnet Press - Christine's artist-run community project
• École du Breuil d'Horticulture - Paris botanical residency
• Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - Paris natural history museum residency
• Lumpen Radio - 105.5FM Chicago community radio station
• Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art - Chicago exhibition venue
• DeCordova Sculpture Museum - Boston exhibition venue
• Ueno Royal Japanese Art Museum - Tokyo exhibition venue
• Morgan Freeman Through the Wormhole
• Time and Beauty by Adrian Bejan: Book Christine was mentioned in (affiliate link)

All about Christine Forni

You're gonna love Christine—she's a multidisciplinary nature-science genius and community building superhero who creates art that makes you think differently about the world around you.

Sponsor Shoutout 💖

This episode is brought to you by the amazing community at Lumpen Radi

They're doing cool stuff like supporting independent voices and community-driven programming. Check them out at lumpenradio.com or tune in locally at 105.5FM!

Connect with Christine Forni

Website: christineforni.com

Instagram: @christineforni

Instagram for Christine’s Drawing You Outside project: @drawingyououtside

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Episode Credits

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam