The Butterfly Effect

The title “The Butterfly Effect” is named after the scientific theory developed by Chaos theory researcher Edward Lorenz in 1963. It states that “nonlinear equations that govern the weather have such an incredible sensitivity to initial conditions, that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in Texas.”  If we view this with a philosophical lens, the implication is that everything we do has an effect, especially in terms of the environment.

These pieces, created from hand-cut recycled aluminum cans and paper, are studies for a large complex installation I hope to create. The works in this series are based on the Eastern-tailed Blue Butterfly, which is native to the Mid-Atlantic states. I use recycled aluminum as a sustainable way to make art and call attention to the plight and importance of pollinators and the need to preserve all species.