Torey was inspired to create the contemporary garden project Love Letters from the Earth as part of the 4Ground Land Art Biennial by combining systems thinking and interconnectivity to emotional processing and actionable sustainability. She started by researching perennial pollinator plant species in the region of Fargo, North Dakota. Torey then made handmade seed paper and organized a community event where people gathered together to share their ecological grief and concern about climate change. Together they wrote our gratitude and devotions to Mother Earth on the seed paper and planted it in the garden. It has since grown to support pollinators in the region.
“Love Letters to the Earth is a love practice and actionable gesture that forms connections to the greater web of life by extending our love of earth outward. With the help of many collaborators on this project, I started by researching perennial seed paper native to the region in Fargo, North Dakota, where the garden was planted. With the support of Franconia Sculpture Park and the Plains Art Museum, we found the perfect site for the garden at World Garden Commons within Rabanus Park, a community park project developed by ecological artist Jackie Brookner, including wildlife, wandering paths, storm water basin, and art. The World Gardens Commons demonstrates ecological restoration and socially engaged ecological art and community in relationship dynamics between people, wildlife and the Red River watershed. It was really a dream-come-true to be included in Jackie Brookner’s vision for World Gardens Commons. I hope that the planting can contribute to enriching the Jackie’s concept as well as the biodiversity of the area, albeit petite, and slow growing, every sentiment no matter the scale can help support a loving world. It was beautiful to collaborate with Growing Together Community Gardens, a non-profit organization building community through sustainable agriculture. Jack Wood, Growing Together co-founder, has been an immense help and he and his team will nourish the Love Letters to the Earth garden over time.”
Photography by Ann Arbor Miller.
Special thanks to: Franconia Sculpture Park, Plains Art Museum, Emma Tomb, Kerri Sandve, Kyle Thurston, Henry McGlasson, Growing Together World Gardens, Ann Arbor Miller, and Jack Wood.
To purchase Torey’s zine, Love Letter to the Earth: a social art practice in dissolving ideas of separateness, click here.