This class introduces the study of plants for artists and designers, investigating topics such as the origin and evolution of plants; form, development, reproduction, and identification; ecological roles and interactions with other species; food, medicine, and materials; preindustrial and contemporary agriculture, including genetic engineering. We will consider contemporary questions such as: What do plants know? How they they know it? Why do people like forests? Who owns plants? Who owns plant knowledge? Finally, we will experiment with plants, from ecological observation, to gardening, to uses such as wood, textiles, and paper, to elements of art and design. We will look at plants, smell them, taste them, touch them, in the lab, on campus, and out in the field. Projects will reflect both scientific and studio interests.

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