NANCY FORRESTER
KEY WEST
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
AND ARTIST
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ARTIST STATEMENT
scrool down
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Artists are the shamens of the post-modern world
and there is only one thing for them to do, ...save
the natural world."
Joseph Campbell
Power of the Myth
My art is inspired by science and the beauty and
complexity of Earths living systems.
My environmental teaching is impassioned by my
need to protect life on earth and keep the world
as natural as possible.
Nancy Forrester
NANCY FORRESTER'S
SECRET GARDEN
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ARTIST STATEMENT
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Thank you for visiting my website. I hope this
statement explains my environmental work and
my quest to save the last wooded acre of
undeveloped land in the heart of old town Key
West from development and to keep it open to
the public as an environmental educational
resource.
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MY PHILOSOPHY
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My philosophy is to keep Earth green and cool,
protect its natural patterns and myriad life
forms. I live simply, and practice reduce, reuse,
recycle, share living space with others in my
home, a small two story historic conch house
modernized only to comply with safety
regulations.
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MY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
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My spiritual practice is founded in Earth’s life-
force. I am nature and nature is me. I have a
moral obligation to protect the natural world.
My good conduct towards the earth is the
measure of my self worth. Patriarchies have
designated sacred places on Earth. They are
typically monumental natural formations, the
highest mountain, the deepest canyon, the
largest waterfall. Small places on Earth are
power points too. In 1969, when I first stood
on this “little piece of dirt” as the developers
describe it, I felt a supernatural energy coming
from the ground. I vowed I would never impede
its flow with as much as a brick. The word
“Sacred” comes to mind. My chosen one acre
microcosm is of great magnitude to the
macrocosm.
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MY ART
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My art can be an object or an experience. In
1993. I put down my canvas, brushes and
paint in search of a better medium in which to
save the land under my domain. Being certain
of the land’s value to Earth and to mankind,
and being inspired by new art forms, I blended
mediums. Conceptual art, fusion of art and life,
performance and site specific installation are
just a few disciplines that give form and
meaning to my work. I opened a Visionary
Environment to the public known as Nancy
Forrester’s Secret Garden with the hopes of
gaining a large audience, teaching love and
understanding of this natural resource which
offers sanctuary, inspiration, food, medicine,
oxygen, thermal cooling and even burial.
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MY MONEY
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My money is gone. Still it is rumored I am rich.
It is also rumored I am an egotistical hobbyist.
The truth is I have borrowed three times during
the last 15 years, pulling the equity of out of
this land in order to keep the garden alive and
teach the ethics of environmentalism. Now the
banks are not offering me refinancing.
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MY WISDOM
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My feminine wisdom comes from observing
patterns in nature. I studied painting from 1956-
1960 at the College of Architecture and Design
at the University of Michigan, the modus
operandi was Abstract Expressionism. Higher
learning was devoid of female instructors and
artists. Instructor Frede Vidar offered this
critique: “Your work is too feminine, your brush
strokes too delicate, your color too soft. Redo
the project! Emulate artists who paint with
force and power. Never sign your first name on
a canvas! Hide your gender; otherwise you will
not get into exhibits.” I redid my assignment
copying Frans Kline’s black and white slashes. I
got A’s. That was the last time I compromised
my art. Now with human extinction on the fast
lane, my wisdom obliges me to engage
everyone especially the patriarchy to support
and take fiscal action to save the garden from
development.
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MY AGE
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At 71, my life’s environmental work, a beautiful
tropical garden adorned with endangered
plants and animals, a sanctuary for rescued
parrots, an eco-arts residency program and my
contribution to the quality of life and tourism in
Key West could disappear. I must ask you for
fiscal help. I face personal collapse. There is
not much time left. I endorse Mana Project’s
capital campaign ( www.manaproject.org ) to
acquire the property and make the transition
from private to public garden for future
generations. This allows me to continue my
work here.
Please become a Member, Sponsor a Parrot, or
make a General Donation.
Please contact me 305-294-0015
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nancy_forrester@yahoo.com
COPYRIGHT 2006 BY NANCY FORRESTER
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