TWELVE

ongoing project dedicated to documenting the botanical micro seasons, emphasizing the subtle changes in plant life over the course of twelve months. The project aims to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of preserving the natural rhythm of seasons.

Vivienne observes the small changes in nature during the year, capturing each season. Unlike the traditional four seasons which the western world uses to divide the calendar, Japan celebrates 72 different micro-seasons. There are 24 major divisions, starting in early February in Spring. Each of the 24 divisions are split into 3. They form the 72 micro seasons each lasting around five days. Each season has its own name and colour. The sections were written in 1685 by the astronomer, Shibukawa Shunkai. He presents a poetic journey through life.

These observations inform all her on going projects. By this slow and calm process, by seeing and experiencing nature Vivienne’s sensibility and way of relating to various beings in the world keeps reforming her attitude to the environment. Could a resurgence of traditional ideas about interconnectivity between us and nature help address environmental problems ? Having this empathy with nature the awareness that we are not separate from nature is enhanced. By fostering this sense and being in close proximity to nature there might be a better balance with the environment. By viewing nature and its rhythms, we maybe become better educated in doing something about our environmental problems. Removing mental boundaries between us and nature could be a start for more environmental collective intentions.

Climate change and why it is important to ensure that the seasons continue.

... 'seeds of seasonal plants can only continue to produce more trees and other botanicals in a world where the seasons change with some reliability. Today our climate is changing, bringing an unprecedented level of unpredictability all across the seasonal world. The question is, can we curb climate change sufficiently to ensure that the seasons will continue? Only if we can do that will the future of seasonal plants be assured.' David Attenborough