Nikki Howland

Using Bio-Remediation to Eliminate the Gulf Pile

Inspired by: Evelyn Rydz, Gulf Pile

found plastics from beaches in MA, needle felted roving wool, glue

15” x 10” x 6”

2023

Did you know that there are mushrooms growing in our backyard and forests that have the ability to break down plastics in a matter of weeks? Considering the estimated lifespan of plastic is over 400 years, this is amazing news! Bioremediation is the use of naturally occurring biological processes to help reduce the ecological damage we are faced with today. Based on the research of Paul Stamets and Susan Simrad whose work has exposed the incredible world of mycelium (root systems of mushrooms) this sculpture depicts the trash in Evelyn Rydz’s drawing Gulf Pile being eliminated by Blue Oyster Mushroom mycelia. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one day we could compost plastics in our own backyards?

@nikkihowland

Nikki Howland

Goddess

soapstone

4” x 3.5” x 3”

2022

Ancient statues depicting females have always been described as “some sort of fertility figures”, as if the only role women could have ever played throughout history is bearing children. This is a narrow minded view of ancient cultures as it imposes modern misogynistic and patriarchal values. However, it is becoming more widely accepted that these forms were representations of Mother Goddesses, the Creators and Destructors of the Universe, the Earth and all Life contained within. This sculpture is an abstract representation of a Mother Goddess. The red stone flowing with Her life-giving blood, reminds us of Her ever-lasting, elemental powers.

@nikkihowland

Nikki Howland

Three Sisters Rattle

Inspired by: Mixteca-Puebla Artist, Tripod Bowl

dried pumpkin gourd, wood burning and water based markers, willow and lilac branches, twine, leather, beans and dried corn

10” x 5” x 5”

2023/24

Indigenous objects and myths fascinate me which is why I chose the Tripod Bowl as my inspiration. The Native legend of the “Three Sisters” tells of Squash, Beans and Corn – gifts from the Sky God. These three vegetables were not only a nutritious source of food, it is also a successful planting technique that is still practiced today. These three plants thrive when planted together. Inside the gourd are dried beans and corn; a ceremonial object of ritual expressing the magical gift of the three sisters.

@nikkihowland