Makalla Shernick
graphic design // kallamade.com // @kallamadeNature & Perception of the Shenandoah Valley
In my artistic practice, I embark on a profound exploration of the sensory perceptions within our natural world, with a particular focus on the enchanting beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. Through my work, I delve into an exciting approach to bookmaking that transcends traditional boundaries, immersing viewers in the boundless multisensory potential of the medium. By engaging the senses of sight, taste, sound, touch, and smell, my art becomes a conduit for reconnecting with nature and fostering a deep appreciation for the sensory richness of our surroundings. Inspired by the awe-inspiring symphony that nature orchestrates in the Shenandoah Valley, I invite viewers to embark on a captivating multisensory journey that transports them into the very essence of the valley's landscapes.
Through sight, I capture the valley's vibrant hues and ever-changing vistas, utilizing a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and compositions to recreate its breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, I immerse viewers in the scents that permeate the valley, infusing the book with the intoxicating fragrance of wildflowers, inviting them to envelop themselves in the very essence of the landscape. Taste takes center stage as I explore the natural flavors that emerge from the fertile soils of the valley. Embedded into the fabric of this book, the sweetness of freshly picked blackberries, native to the region, beckons viewers to indulge in a sensory feast, allowing them to partake in the valley's culinary delights. Sound plays a vital role in my artistic exploration, capturing the symphony of natural sounds that resonates throughout the Shenandoah Valley—the gentle rustling of leaves, the melodious songs of birds, and the soothing flow of rivers. I encourage viewers to experience the book while listening to these enchanting sounds, further immersing themselves in the valley's captivating auditory landscape. Intrigued by the abundance of textures that abound in the Shenandoah Valley, I extend an invitation for viewers to tactilely connect with my artwork. Through the incorporation of textiles, I create tangible experiences that mirror the roughness of ancient tree bark or the delicate softness of flower petals, enticing viewers to explore the valley's textures through touch.
Through the integration of sight, taste, sound, touch, and smell, my art serves as a gateway for viewers to explore and embrace the wonders of nature in the Shenandoah Valley. It becomes a catalyst for reconnecting with the sensory richness of the world around us, fostering a renewed appreciation for the delicate interplay of our senses and the captivating landscapes that inspire us. I warmly invite viewers to embark on this immersive multisensory journey, where they can fully immerse themselves in the symphony of nature, embrace its unparalleled beauty, and revel in the remarkable region that is the Shenandoah Valley.
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