SUMMARY

The Movement and Action of Worms is a visual interpretaion of Charles Darwin's last pubished book, 

Darwin, C. R. 1881. MOULD & WORMS: The formation of vegetable mould, through the action of worms, with observations on their habits.

The process of creating the exhibition, was as important as the exhibition itself. I wanted to follow a methodical, controlled approach to the work, and it became apparent very quickly that the work would need to be made in sequence and in situ. Unlike the work for 'Voyage of Discovery' exhibition in 2009, my focus was not trying to describe a scientific principal in visual terms.  In this exhibition, my interest was in interpreting Darwin's words, a precis of the book in its entirity, using visual images. 

Process

Firstly, and fairly obviously, I read the book.

I then took each of the section headings from the book.

These became the titles of the 30 pieces of work. 

I then re-read each section, and selected a passage of text, which 'spoke' to me.

The gallery was prepared and all 30 frames were hung in position. Empty.

The selected words were attached temporarily to the frames.

At this point, i discarded the book itself, and focussed soley on my selected passages.

I tried to absorb the passage and its meaning, and then to represent the vision in my head.

It was important to me that the work followed in the same order as the sections of the book itself.

When I curate an exhibition in the gallery it is normal to move the works to suit the space.

In this exhibition however, it was vital that the pieces of work 'worked visually' in sequence.

I started at No 1 and worked my way around to No 30.

I think this gives unity to the whole, and ensures that there is visual cohesion.

It was important to me that viewers were told of the sequence, but were then left to explore.

Some people read a book cover to cover, some dip in and out, and some just glance.

Outcome

Many people made comments like "well i never knew worms were so interesting".

This is basically the same sentiment as Joseph Hooker, the 19th century British botanist's, "I must own I had always looked on worms as amongst the most helpless and unintelligent members of the creation; and am amazed to find that they have a domestic life and public duties!”

I believe that the exhibition works on different levels. 

.  The images themselves stand alone, as valid pieces of abstract art, and need no explanation.

.  The titles of the pieces help to focus the viewer's attention, but are not prescriptive.

.  The passages help to explain 'where the artist was coming from', and lastly,

.  The whole exhibition adds to the viewers knowledge about worms and Darwin, and may encourage more reading about environmental and scientific issues.