A five month residency at the Monterey Regional Waste Management District gives the opportunity to young artists to work with wasted materials passing through the landfill. Materials were recovered and then created into a body of work. The program’s mission is to educate and inspire the general public on the importance of repurposing, recycling, and reusing discarded materials. The fellowship offers the experience of connecting and educating the public directly at events. At MRWMD's 65th anniversary, I created a mural with recycled wood, paint, and bottle caps. I made this into an interactive public piece by inviting guests to place bottle caps onto the design. The main focus of this residency was the sculptural installation Symbion. Learn more on the next page. To learn more about the amazing work done by MRWMD go to: www.mrwmd.org

Symbion is a visualization of the understanding and knowledge nature has provided me. By drawing inspiration from the connections I make with the world around me, this installation has become the embodiment of my journey through understanding this truth: Nature is not separate from us because we are nature. The evolution of the human species has been directly influenced by our environment. Mother nature is what molded us and continues to sustain us. The dependency we have on the health of the planet connects humans to each other, animals, and all living things. The more I understand this universal connection, the more at home I feel in my body and this planet. Empathy and compassion increase, along with the moral responsibility to give future generations a chance to embrace the gifts of earth. When we talk about protecting nature, we are talking about every natural entity of this planet including ourselves. Every aspect of planet earth and its inhabitants are symbions of one another. An organism associated with another in symbiosis or mutualism is called a symbion. The intention of this piece is to generate feelings of connection and gratitude to the planet that supports all of us. It is also an ode to the lessons I’ve learned from the resilience and regeneration that ensues in nature in the face of destruction.  Exploring the use of recycled materials through the artist residency program at Monterey Regional Waste Management District, I have created a sculptural mixed media installation. The materials used range from metal, wood, paper, plants, found objects and other recycled materials. I have fabricated a conceptual egg structure, made from metal and recovered materials, that is meant to encase and protect a figure sculpture inside. It also serves as a portal between life and death. The figure sculpture is from a homemade recycled paper and cardboard material, that was pressed into molds of my body parts. The figure is ornamented with recycled and natural materials. Using the properties of traditional elements (earth, air, fire, water, and ether) I have represented each as well as their synergistic dance. My intention is for Symbion to serve as a reminder of forgotten knowledge and instinctual wisdom, which I hope will inspire connection to each other and our home.

I am the art director and co-producer of an annual 3 day music and art festival. I play a role in the overall creative direction, as well as placing finishing touches and final details. Most recently, I produced a new stage called The Nook. A humble creation made from recycled and natural materials, The Nook invites anyone and everyone to participate. Whether it's music, comedy, or something you need to get off your chest, this has become a new favorite at the festival because of the open stage policy.

LuvLab is a family of friends aspiring to provide a space for open- minded individuals to come & express freely, make new connections, and experience a collision of a variety of creative mediums: art, dance, theatre & live music, staged in some of the most breathtakingly beautiful outdoor locations that the Central Coast has to offer.

WWW.LUVLABPRODUCTIONS.ORG

I seek to unveil the mysteries of our place in the cosmos. My work varies by subject, but often poses the question of what purpose myself and others have on this planet. Photography captures the essence of life, and moments that can never be relived. Documenting the discoveries of how one lives to thrive, and thrives to live, brings me joy. Our experiences as an artist and audience overlap. All photos are archival prints, copyright Katie Savage.

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