Jessica Maffia

What might this massive, awe-inspiring elder have to teach us? In this epoch of accelerating human-generated climate upheaval, we are overdue to heed the call of indigenous environmental stewards the world over who implore us all to acknowledge the other-than-human world as our kin, our family, inseparable from us- to humble ourselves and listen deeply. What lessons can we learn from an elder who has adapted to live so long? Pando has survived fire, earthquake, disease, and human destruction. He has been razed and still risen. His strength, adaptability and resilience are an inspiration. I am interested in reflecting on what accounts for this resilience? A single organism with a 12,000 mile root system is in communication with countless fungi. Fundamental to his thriving must be his participation in a community. He is a massive giant who relies on healthy soil, mycorrhizal connections, all the decomposers that work to break matter down, the nematodes and protozoa who feed on them, the creatures who feed on them and so forth. During my residency, I intend to spend time being with, become acquainted with, listen deeply to and dream with Pando. I will ask Pando how best to collaborate and listen carefully for an answer through dreaming together as dreams are a wonderful way to communicate across species.