We have reached a point in history were nature does not necessarily hold power to the human race. That is to say, where before nature toke on its own form, now mankind can use nature only as entertainment or appeal purposes. Meaning, we use nature only as entertainment or appeal purposes. Meaning, we use nature for our own amusement. For example, planting different species of trees next to one another, or even more simply put mowing ones yard. These acts in itself alter the look of the environment to fit a ordered view created by mankind as a whole. Trees in malls, parking lots, plants in offices, and even artificial plants show our control over the natural world. Through the five works of Summerbranch by Bruno Martelli, Islanders by Gregory Chatonsky, badlands by Michael Greathouse, Kamon Series by Jon Montenegro, and Growth rendering device by David Bowen we can see this control. Though this might not have been their intensions individually they do indeed show this pint when connected with each other. Summerbreach, taking still images of nature itself and disguising a human figure within. Thus showing that humans cannot just leave nature to itself. Trying to take in qualities of it and form it into ourselves. Using the most advanced technologies to do so. Leaning on the concept of mankind needing to use technology instead of adaptation for survival. Moving on to Islanders, this piece shows how we have shrunk even the earth to our convenience. For as of today we can go and see anywhere on the planet we wish and do as we wish. Altering the earth’s surface itself not linked to this piece but a fine example none the less. The Spiral Jetty, showing that no place on earth is safe from the marks of humans. Within the work badlands we find that even the animal kingdom isn’t immune to man’s control. Not only using false images of birds imposed by the convinces of electricity for ourselves. Making nature adapt to us rather then we to it. Furthering this connection is Jon Monteegro’s work Kamon Series. Giving all of us access to nature through our cell phones. Thus continuing our illusions of what is nature and our control over it. Finally we come to Growth rendering device, which has a symbiotic relationship between technology and nature. The plant being given nourishment to live and grow while the rasterized inkjet creates an image of the plant at given intervals. Thus mapping out the life cycle of the plant. Leading to questions of which is more interesting the plant or the image of the plant. For the image is what can be seen changing and given our ideals of time being linear change is what interests us. Through these works we see that though nature exists on its own and can overpower us, we have the ability to change and maintain it to our whims. To really think about it, we can go anywhere and change the earth’s surface to how we see fit. Thus giving way to nature being nothing more then a play thing rather then a equal existence. Interesting links for further reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_art http://www.acearth.com/ http://www.usc.edu/programs/cst/deadfiles/lacasis/ansc100/library/styles/EarthArt.html http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=991007