Archer Library First Installation

Archer Library Installation, image courtesy Trent Kostelny

For our first installation at the Dr. John Archer Library, students used specimens from the George F. Ledingham Herbarium. With the facilitation of Associate Dean Dr. Mel Hart, of the Faculty of Science, students were able to peruse through and borrow specimens not yet formally accessioned. The Herbarium was established in 1945 and has tens of thousands of plant, bryophyte, and lichen specimens from Saskatchewan and beyond. Dr. Hart also loaned students some marine invertebrate specimens, which are also featured in some of the works on display

Most of the cyanotypes in this installation are cameraless photographs. The chemistry is applied to paper with a brush, and once dried, specimens are placed in direct contact with the paper and exposed under ultraviolet light. Flat specimens can be held in close contact using glass, giving sharp edges to the images. Dimensional specimens can not be flattened with glass, and the light bounces around the objects giving less sharp edges that appear like shadows or movement.

Check out students’ individual blog posts to read more details about their specific works.

Special thanks to Michael Shires of the Archer library for his coordination and assistance; and Dr. Mel Hart for facilitating this art-science collaboration - check out their bio below.

Mel Hart is Associate Dean Student Experience and Engagement in the Faculty of Science. In their home department of biology, Mel is a Lab Instructor who is passionate about hands-on biology that focuses on plants and animals, living and dead. Mel is enthusiastic about collaborating with those inside and outside the Faculty of Science to create new learning opportunities for students, find new ways to showcase the interconnectedness of disciplines traditionally seen as disparate under the Eurocentric teaching model, and highlight the incredible opportunities possible at the University of Regina. Current projects that are keeping Mel excited include the revitalization of the George F. Ledingham Herbarium, Science Camps for Saskatchewan Indigenous Youth, and a suite of collaborative efforts with colleagues in Arts and MAP.

image courtesy Trent Kostelny