At the Root of Healing: Soil, Art and the Soul
- Rachel Bebb
- May 28
- 3 min read
Theologian and poet, Rowan Williams, commented in The Guardian on the occasion of Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday. Dr. Williams said, “There are people who seem to think concern for the natural world somehow sidelines characteristically human concerns. David Attenborough makes it clear deep attention to our environment nourishes all that is most humane and generous in us – and if we lose this capacity for caring attention, we lose our souls.”
‘Soil : The World at Our Feet’, an inspiring and influential exhibition held recently at Somerset House in London, demonstrated just how essential healthy soil is to life on earth. Soil with a sound structure, free of chemicals, is vital for growing good food to improve human health; soil sequesters carbon, and helps to combat erosion and flooding. Absence of chemicals spares rivers from pollution. Healthy soil, healthy life.
As Land Gardeners, Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy point out in their introduction to the excellent exhibition catalogue, “Soil microbes and fungi are stimulated by and connected to everything from plants and animals to humans … They sustain so much of life above ground.” Soil should be treated with utmost respect, not pummelled until it is lifeless and no more than dirt. (Cue: read ‘Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture’ by US farmer Gabe Brown.)
More inspiration comes from an ‘Opinion’ article in the Spring issue of the Royal Academy of Arts’ magazine. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross have written a book called ‘Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us’. What artists and those who engage with the arts and other aesthetic experiences have long sensed is now being proved by science. “The relatively new science of neuroaesthetics studies how engaging with the arts changes the body, brain and behaviour - and how this knowledge is translated into specific practices that advance health and wellbeing. We call this field neuroarts.”
The authors explain how the arts are being used to help people recovering from strokes and traumatic brain injuries, and those who have mental health concerns, dementia, Parkinson’s and PTSD. Magsamen and Ross “believe evidence-based arts interventions and cures will be embedded in healthcare and education. All young people will have access to the arts and aesthetic experiences, to build healthy brains for lifelong learning.”
‘A Poetry of Mysteries : An Evening on Art & Nature as Healers’, to be held at Rachel Bebb Contemporary on 14 June, draws inspiration from the poem and short film by Anthony Doerr and Harrison Ford, created as a call to protect nature by the E. O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation.
Glass engraver Tracey Sheppard will share how her deep knowledge of and love for the natural world is at the heart of her beautiful work. A close relationship with nature is integral to artist Rob Mackenzie’s drawing practice.
Profits will be donated to Butterfly Conservation. Kate Bradbury has written an important article in the May issue of ‘The Garden’, the RHS’s monthly magazine @the_rhs.
Full of ideas and tips for helping garden butterflies it’s not to be missed!
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