Shirah Miriam “Mimi” Aumann
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Posted on April 3, 2015 by George Deatz
“Tree Whispers” exhibit by paper artist Shirah Miriam “Mimi” Aumann on display at the Springfield Botanical Center during April
Three women and a truck set up the “Tree Whispers” exhibit inside the Botanical Center at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. on April 1, 2015. The “Tree Whispers” exhibit will be in place to celebrate both Arbor Days (Missouri and National) and for Earth Day April 1-30th.
“Tree Whispers” is an exhibit of a small grove of 3 trees, constructed from various waste papers that usually find their way into landfills across the world. These trees are representing the deforestation of the world for paper – and if they could talk, they would be murmuring and whispering against the tragic waste of a resource that took many years to grow. The 7’ tree is made from phone books; the 5’ tree is made up of newspapers; and the 3-1/2’ tree is from 4-colour, glossy magazines and other printed materials. Even though there are recycling programs to try and prevent all of these discarded papers from going into the landfills, not everyone cooperates in this effort. And the de-inking of the 4-colour magazines and printed material is an expensive and exhaustive process, making it unprofitable to recycle in most cases. We must educate to conserve our usage of paper and find alternative fibres from which to create our papers. A forest is a home for flora and fauna and prevents desertification. We must protect and honour our forests and they, in turn, will clean the air and protect our environment.
The “Tree Whispers” exhibit is set up in the Botanical Center atrium beside the reception area next to the wooden praying mantis sculpture by woodcarver artist Jim Stewart. Stop by to visit the exhibit this month when you get the chance.
Earth Day April 22nd at 4:30 pm, I will be reading “The Lorax”….
For those of you with children, on Earth Day April 22nd at 4:30 pm, I will be reading “The Lorax” to the children while sitting with the trees. As you know, “The Lorax” was Dr. Seuss’ book with a message that came out at the time of the first Earth Day – most of his books being just for fun, but this one being about a serious issue – deforestation. Come enjoy “Tree Whispers” speaking the same important message. –Shirah Miriam “Mimi” Aumann
I want to thank the Springfield Regional Arts Council and Bass Pro Shop for providing the 15-foot box truck to transport the trees. And I want to thank Barbara Parker and Katie Steinhoff for being more than enough support and assistance. –Mimi
About the paper artist, Shirah Miriam “Mimi” Aumann, a Friends of the Garden member. Mimi has been involved with the fibre arts all her life. Even in high school, she made her own costumes for her dance recitals and created unique clothing for her everyday apparel. Later in life’s journey, Mimi became very interested in spinning, weaving and basketry, focusing on animal fibres and naturals. As she was beginning to drift away from the use of animal fibres and more towards working with various botanicals, Mimi became part of a group of Israeli papermakers and fell in love with the ancient craft. Hand papermaking with various plant fibres has become the focus of her life.
Mimi considers herself somewhat of a hemp activist and has worked extensively with the hemp fibre. In 1999, she presented a 27-piece, one-woman exhibit, showcasing the hemp fibre. In April, 2009, she has been asked to do a retrospective exhibit with some of the former works in hemp, along with newer works in both hemp and switchgrass in various applications, both 2 and 3-dimensional. During October 2014 Mimi presented her extensive hemp fibre exhibit “Hemp and Pots – Grass and Trees” at the Drury on C-Street Gallery.
