Margaret Whiting

Lives and works in Waterloo, Iowa, USA

Artist statement

I make artwork about current environmental and social issues. I recycle discarded law books as my medium. These books are interesting to me because the decisions recorded in them have shaped our past and still influence present day actions. A great percentage of my time making artwork is spent reading law books. The books provide phrases for composing my own narratives. We need changes in our laws in order to solve the very serious environmental problems. Humans are rapidly destroying the natural world on which all life depends for survival. Decisions made now will shape the future of our planet and humanity. Because of the use of computers, many law libraries have closed, and law offices in small towns in Iowa are pleased that I haul away their old law books. I choose law books to make artwork because I want to bring attention to laws that can help or hinder environmental protection. I also talk to my legislators to encourage them to make changes. Texture in nature is thrilling for me and texture is important in my work. I create forms and textures by tearing, crumpling, sawing, piercing, rolling and baling law book text pages. I circle words to build new statements about protecting the environment. Deforestation I made this installation by manipulating law book text pages into tree stump forms. My intent is to express the need for better environmental laws and practices. The world’s forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Deforestation is the second leading...

Artwork