Figure 1. Mishy Rowan, Whispers from the bush: A curio-cabinet for nature’s worries, 2025, found objects, 450 × 300 × 60mm.

Creative arts therapist statement

A house-shaped curio-cabinet forms the structure for this artwork. Curio-cabinets typically house objects deemed precious, with their miniature compartments creating a sense of sanctuary for items on display. In this artwork, the house-shaped curio-cabinet aims to evoke a sense of safety and shelter, and becomes a protective space where fragile natural objects can be kept secure. Each compartment symbolises an aspect of nature, while drawing attention to the impermanence and fragility of what it aims to preserve.

The objects encased in the curio-cabinet were collected over several years in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. They include native flora, such as eucalyptus gumnuts, and non-native flora, such as roses, both of which support local ecosystems by nourishing pollinators. Invasive species, such as pampas grass, are also present; striking in appearance, yet emblematic of the delicate balance within the Australian ecosystem. Burnt eucalyptus leaves, collected during the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, are placed in one compartment. Their subtle presence mirrors the paradox of climate change: pressing and destructive, yet often relegated to the background of political and social discourse. The burnt leaves, hidden in plain sight, reflect the tension between the urgency of environmental action and the tendency towards inaction or minimisation.

Within its miniature confines, each item encourages the viewer to reflect on their relationship with nature and the consequences of human action – or inaction – on the natural world. Honouring each object individually aims to invite contemplation. What once filled these tiny compartments – thimbles, teaspoons, shells, or other cherished trinkets of bygone eras? Will nature be treated like the long-forgotten treasures that once occupied these spaces?

Experiencing multiple natural disasters, including floods and fires, prompted reflection on my relationship with nature and inspired the use of creative expression to process eco-anxiety. Eco-anxiety encompasses concerns about the planet’s future, global pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the broader impacts of human behaviour (Hickman, 2020; Hogg et al., 2023; Pihkala, 2020). Its existential nature can make it challenging to address; however, emerging research suggests that engagement with arts and nature can mitigate these concerns. For example, artistic interventions can promote youth engagement with environmental issues (Mohr, 2014; Moula et al., 2022), foster a stronger connection to nature that enhances environmental awareness (Moula et al., 2022), and increase pro-environmental behaviours, which in turn can reduce eco-anxiety (Moula, 2021; Jain & Jain, 2022).

As part of this artwork’s process, all objects were ultimately returned to nature or repurposed for other eco-artworks. The curio-cabinet itself remains in my studio, awaiting the next collection of objects to reflect the ongoing relationship between humans, art, and the natural world.