Forest Bathing

A video installation part of SAV.EXE - new media installations at ARTS Southeast and Gallery 2424

"Forest Bathing" addresses the vital need to reconnect with nature in our increasingly digital world. As artificial intelligence and technology permeate daily life, this installation offers a deliberate counterpoint - a sanctuary where viewers engage with the raw sights and sounds of the natural world.

Recorded at Skidaway Island State Park, the video invites viewers to pause, breathe, and rediscover a sense of wonder. It showcases a seemingly simple scene: trees swaying gently, moss draping from branches, all bathed in natural light. Yet this apparent simplicity holds profound power, reminding us that joy and awe often reside in our most immediate, seemingly mundane surroundings - if only we take the time to notice.

The concept draws inspiration from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), which highlights the health benefits of nature immersion. In our screen-dominated lives, such experiences can alleviate stress, sharpen mental clarity, and reaffirm our innate connection to the natural world.

By transplanting a forest experience into an art space, the installation bridges the gap between our tech-mediated existence and nature's restorative power. It prompts reflection on balancing technological progress with environmental stewardship and personal well-being. "Forest Bathing" asserts that even as we advance technologically, maintaining our bond with nature remains crucial for our physical, mental, and spiritual health.