Over the years that I have looked at the mosaic of landscapes, I have tried to understand the interrelationship of geology, hydrology, soils, vegetation and wildlife of the natural landscape and have studied the cultural landscape on the land. The Landscape Mosaics began as a layered mapping of landscape using satellite, aerial and land based photography to microphotography to trace out the mosaic of each ecosystem. The work has progressed beyond documentation to computer generated, site specific installations used to educate and engage the public about threatened landscapes and endangered species using art and technology to explain the science. The coastal installations are set in salt marshes, along tidal rivers, within the sand plains and dunes and speak to the pattern and coloration of the landscape through pixel panels, projections and kinetic sculpture on a large scale. The work exists outside of the context of the museum, though panels have been exhibited and mapped keys have been set within the galleries to guide the public to the site installations.

There is a body of visual work now completed and documented of the site specific, ephemeral and time sensitive installations and the text is being written about the process and product, elaborating on gallery talks and tours given in the past. I am pleased that the work is being interpreted by the noted color theorist, artist and academic-Doreen Balabanoff, whose work in colored light is internationally known. Doreen will place the body of work in context with artists whose focus is light and color-Josef Albers and James Turrell for example and artists who use science as a means of communicating complex scientific principles to the public as Alan Sonfist and Eric J. Heller. The color pixel palettes, projections of color as a timeline in the marsh and the progressive color panels and leaves can be theorized using art principles.

So too, can the color and pattern be described in scientific terms to denote chemical composition, health, environmental factors, temperature, salinity, water levels and stress. I am pleased to state that Stephen Smith, Ph.D. is uniquely qualified to speak on the science of the coastal landscape and relate the color and pattern change to specific phenomena. The next aerial images and studies will speak to the death of the salt marsh along the New England coastline, in what is termed 'salt marsh dieback'. This work by Stephen Smith is critical and cutting edge research. My time line studies of the coast will assist him in determining when the dieback began. Landscape Mosaics is an important and timely call for public participation, understanding and focus on this critical and endangered landscape. The book, describing new and alternative media installations, will reach a wide audience. Art, science and technology join to issue a clarion call for action. ...Continued