An imaginative pink tree sculpture with flowing textures in a lush outdoor setting.

Beneath the Forest, Beneath the Sea

Pamela Moulton (2022)

Three larger-than-life free-standing whimsical sculptures that the artist described as “an underwater arboretum crossed with outer space creatures” created from over 10-tons of “ghost gear” – trawling nets, ropes, buoys, lobster traps, and other fishing debris – salvaged from the Gulf of Maine. Driven by the artist’s community and collaborative based practice, 5,600 students and collaborators detangled, weaved, painted, and assembled the sculptures while discussing art making and the stories behind the materials.

The project was continually activated by a series of free performances and events throughout the summer of 2022 – 2023.

Colorful outdoor art installation with children enjoying and exploring.

Installation date

Summer 2022

Location

Payson Park

Materials

Abandoned fishing gear, steel, rope

Large pink floral sculpture arching over people lying on the ground at an outdoor event.

Vibrant pink and orange fiber art sculptures displayed outdoors during a community event.

Abstract red sculpture with intricate textures and organic shapes.

Pink floral sculpture, intricate design, outdoor art installation, TEMPOart.

Artist statement

These are sensory sculptures and I hope people will touch, crawl, and picnic under them, and marvel that these materials were just recently lost and haunting the bottom of the ocean. I’m happy that many will enjoy the art simply for its beauty and whimsy, and I hope it will additionally inspire some to contemplate, discuss, and get actively involved in the deeper underlying environmental issues.

About the artist

Pamela Moulton (Franco-American, b.1961, based in Portland, Maine) is an artist and teacher fostering multi-generational collaboration and community in her large-scale sculptures and installations. Her education has included: Ecole Supérieure d’Art d’Aix en Provence, France 2011, Vermont Studio Center & Johnson State, Master’s program 1995-1996, and Art Students League, New York City, 1985–1989, Ecole Nationale d’Art Décoratif- Villa Arson, Nice, France 1983–1984, University of Vermont, 1984 BFA & BA.

The artist has shown extensively in France and the U.S., with recent solo exhibitions: Speedwell, Forest Interactive Installation, 2021; Portland Museum of Art, Façade and Sculpture Garden : Textile installation, 2019; Space Gallery, Portland, Maine, 2019 Stanley Whitman American Museum, Farmington, CT, 2019; 2012 Ecole de Beaux Arts, Tours France, 2012; Ecole Supérieure d’Art d’Aix en Provence, France, 2011; and many more.