The Evolution of Nature's Narratives: A Conversation with Molly Greene

From juniper to pine snags, Molly Greene’s paintings showcase the interconnectedness of nature. The artist’s practice has developed from representations of the human, to the most basic elements of nature. How does she do it? By listening to her surroundings..

When we first spoke to the artist Molly Greene in 2019, her practice encompassed interpreting human hair through the lens of nature. With a portfolio populated with flowing waves and rope-like braids, Greene's early work seemed to embody a sense of vulnerability and fragility. The delicate textures and organic forms that characterized her paintings suggested a deep connection to the natural world.

However, as we delve deeper into Greene's practice, it becomes clear that her fascination with nature is not limited to its surface-level representations. Rather, she seeks to tap into the underlying rhythms and patterns that govern our planet's ecosystems. Her use of natural materials in the studio – from pine needles to leaves – serves as a tangible reminder of this approach. By incorporating these found objects into her work, Greene creates a sense of continuity between the internal and external worlds.

One way to understand this process is by examining the ways in which nature informs Greene's creative decisions. In her own words, "I'm constantly seeking out new materials and forms that allow me to engage with the world around me." This approach is reflected in her use of unusual materials – such as soil, sand, or even fabric scraps – which are woven into intricate patterns and textures that evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. By listening to the natural world, Greene is able to tap into its innate rhythms and create works that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.

As we explore Greene's practice further, it becomes clear that her use of natural materials is not merely decorative – rather, it serves as a tool for exploring fundamental questions about the nature of existence. Her paintings often seem to hover between representation and abstraction, inviting viewers to consider the ways in which our perceptions shape our understanding of the world. By embracing this ambiguity, Greene creates works that feel both deeply intuitive and intellectually stimulating.

Despite these formal innovations, Greene's practice remains firmly rooted in a sense of curiosity and wonder. Her paintings are filled with hidden details – from the texture of tree bark to the patterns of birdsong – which serve as clues to a larger narrative. This narrative is one of interconnectedness, where the boundaries between nature and art blur and dissolve.

This approach has led some to characterize Greene's practice as "ecological," in the sense that it seeks to draw attention to the intricate web of relationships that underpins our planet's ecosystems. By examining these relationships through her paintings, Greene invites viewers to consider their own place within the natural world – a role that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal.

In addition to its ecological resonance, Greene's practice also speaks to issues of perception and cognition. Her use of natural materials serves as a reminder of the ways in which our senses shape our understanding of reality. By engaging with the physical world through touch, smell, and sight, Greene creates works that feel both tactile and experiential.

Moreover, Greene's exploration of texture and pattern has led some to draw parallels between her practice and the work of artists such as Louise Bourgeois or Eva Hesse – pioneers in the field of installation art. Like these women, Greene seeks to create immersive environments that engage viewers on multiple levels. Her paintings are not simply visual experiences – rather, they invite us to step into their intricate worldscapes.

In Greene's hands, natural materials take on a new significance – one that transcends their functional or aesthetic value. Rather, they become instruments of artistic expression, tools for conjuring worlds and evoking emotions. By embracing this approach, Greene creates works that feel both deeply rooted in the earthy real world, yet strangely ephemeral – like the whispers of the forest itself.

This ambiguity is a hallmark of Greene's practice, one that has come to define her unique voice as an artist. Her paintings are like islands, suspended in time and space – fragile ecosystems that invite us to pause, observe, and contemplate the natural world. As we consider the ways in which nature informs this creative process, it becomes clear that Greene's work is a testament to the power of art to bridge the gaps between human and non-human worlds.

Despite her commitment to exploring these themes, Greene's practice remains remarkably nimble – adaptable to new contexts and situations. Her use of natural materials, for instance, has allowed her to transition from studio-based work to more site-specific projects. By engaging with specific environments – whether forests or beaches – Greene creates works that feel both deeply rooted in their location, yet universally relevant.

This adaptability is a testament to the fluidity of nature itself – an organic system that is constantly evolving and adapting to new circumstances. As we consider Greene's practice within this context, it becomes clear that her work is not simply about representing or depicting the natural world – rather, it seeks to listen to its rhythms and respond with creative resonance.

Greene's engagement with the natural world has also led some to associate her practice with feminist and environmentalist currents. Her use of natural materials, for instance, can be seen as a direct challenge to traditional notions of art-making – where materials are often prized for their beauty or rarity. Rather, Greene seeks to valorize the ordinary, the mundane, and the overlooked.

This approach is both deeply intuitive and intellectually stimulating. By embracing the complexity of nature's systems, Greene creates works that invite us to consider our own place within the web of life. Her paintings are not simply visual experiences – rather, they serve as invitations to contemplate the intricate relationships between humans, animals, plants, and landscapes.

In conclusion, Molly Greene's practice serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and art. Through her use of natural materials, she creates works that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Her paintings are like islands – suspended in time and space – inviting us to pause, observe, and contemplate the world around us. By listening to her surroundings, Greene taps into the underlying rhythms and patterns that govern our planet's ecosystems, creating a unique voice as an artist that continues to inspire and intrigue audiences worldwide.

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