My research-based practice revolves around the ideas and concerns that I care about most. These include the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of humans and the reciprocal health of our environment.
Evolving during my MA, the work explores the interconnectedness of the soul, nature and community, examining the lost connections caused by modern culture over the past +/-400 years. Grounded in the fields of Neuroscience, Mindfulness, Sensory integration, Polyvagal theory and Philosophy, my practice more recently also looks through an anthropological lens towards ancient wisdom in search of a holistic view of mental and ‘environ-mental’ health. Methodologically, I immerse myself in mountain landscapes, engaging my senses. I am particularly drawn to the soil under my feet which led me to an interest in human-soil relations and soil health. Soil, clay and rocks have become the primary source for most of my materials. Foundational to the work is an emphasis on process, the therapeutic value of sensorimotor methods of making and processing natural materials such as earth pigments, lake pigments, botanical inks and wild clay. This dance between soil and soul has created a strong link between research, place and practice.
In a quest to find safety, belonging, and equanimity in the inner landscape of the soul, the work questions whether these intimate and intentional sensory engagements with nature have the potential to repair lost connections for the reciprocal health of human and non-human worlds.
www.riettevanrensburg.com/ma-exhibition
Mending connection (detail) 19x24cm, '24 (cover)
Inner Landscape ~ Sight (detail) 77,5x43cm, '24 (info)
