I collected various species of flora growing from cracks in the city sidewalks, and through capacitive coupling, recorded the unique violet coronal discharge produced.

The process that captures this movement of energy is known as electrography. The specimen is placed between a ground plate, and a transparent discharge plate. A high voltage current is momentarily applied creating small arcs of plasma at the points of contact. These long exposures measure the unique patterns of the electrified air, highlighting characteristics in the plant topography, or root systems. Electrography helps to visually isolate these charismatic organisms, prompting the viewer to consider our own relationship with plants, and the shared desire to find ground. 

*Published in the 2021 issue of SciArt Magazine

Laura Margaret Ramsey

Laura Margaret Ramsey (she/her) is an anti-disciplinary artist and educator who works primarily in photography and computer-generated art. Currently residing and maintaining a practice in Toronto, Canada, Ramsey is known for her exploration into the intersection of the natural world and the oncoming texture of AI’s potential reach. Her work is heavily influenced by the structure of the archive and is informed by the algorithmic approaches in data management.

Contact info

IG: @lauramargaretramsey

www.lauramargaretramsey.com

info.lauramargaretramsey [at] gmail.com