Medicine of the Forest

Adrien Converse spent the first decade of their professional career in high pressure environments involving an overload of responsibility and a deficit of support. They learned to find grounding and peace through intentional time in nature, as well as establishing a consistent artistic practice. This show explores the overlap between those two worlds: being present with nature, and honest artistic expression. Adrien experiences these as two sides of the same coin: both provide a context for presence and self awareness which has brought them empowerment to find healing, peace, and even joy while facing the pain and injustices of life. These works explore both internal and external worlds, and many of them depict a reckoning process to find a sense of harmony between them. Adrien draws from a deep practice of study and field work with native medicinal plants, such as devil's club, oregon grape, cedar, and many others, and many of the works here are meditations on the physical impact of these plants deep within the body. Adrien's intention for this show is to share a window into the empowering practices which have brought them hope and enriched their world with meaning and beauty, as well as to spark interest for others to explore or expand the possibilities for themselves.

Adrien Converse is a PNW native who has a passion for honesty that drives their creativity. In addition to making visual art, Adrien is also a pianist and performs improv and standup comedy. All of Adrien's work is deeply influenced by principles of improvisation, which they also see reflected in nature and the world of plants. Adrien considers plants among their most revered artistic mentors. They are life forms that exist authentically and enrich other life without ego-driven agendas. And—they are highly skilled at improvisation. Improvisation at its best is unflinching mastery of truth as it emerges. Adrien's visual art is an outflow of their long term and ongoing dedication to this principle.