SINE AQUA NON VITA
ongoing project about clean water
Life and water ultimately belong together.
Each of these prints serves as a metaphor, symbolising that life began under the sea, and that without water there is no life. The spread of oxygen transformed our atmosphere and allowed life to move onto land.
Water is the source of all fertility. Oceans cover 70% of the Earth, 60% of our body is water, and our tears and sweat are salty like the sea.
The etchings with chine collé play with the notion of preserving the beauty of our sea/land borders from environmental changes. The reflections resemble the delicate balance of our ecosystem and our responsibility to find a reciprocal relationship with our water sources.
The rounded circular shape — a drop — against the negative and empty space — the oxygen, the softness of water coming into contact with the hard surface of the Earth, are the main inspirations for the printed layers that reflect our planet.
The third print series is created by using the power of sunlight to develop photos taken by Vivienne of the pond at Omved Gardens onto handmade paper. These alternative processed photos are then printed on top with an etching plate and Japanese paper that has been painted with salt.
The chosen technique and material connect the work directly to the location: the land, water, the sun, oxygen, and salt — all the resources fundamental to life.
Through this ritual of connecting materiality to her art, Vivienne is directing our senses to perceive water not merely as a resource but as life itself.
'Water is the vehicle of nature' Leonardo Da Vinci
Sine Aqua Non Vita - photo: Rebecca Lewis
Vivienne created the first series Sine aqua non vita chine-collé etchings in 2016. (this series has sold out)
Chine-Collé is a printmaking technique in which Vivienne uses hand coloured Japanese Kuzu paper that is adhered to the overall piece.
The second series was made in 2019 and the third series is currently being created in 2024.
Water is a unique source that underpins all growth.
We are experiencing simultaneously the hottest, driest and wettest seasons since records began.
Therefore we should be aware how we can protect our water resources for us and for future generations.
Only 2.5% of all water on Earth is fresh water, of which less than 1% is accessible – yet this resource is essential for human life.