Hi, my name is Cory and I am a small town artist making environmental and ecological inspired artwork. In this video I document the process and talk about the ideas behind my artwork called Grasslands.

California's Central Valley is surrounded by Grasslands. Everyday I can see the rolling hills from where I live. These hills have sparked so many ideas and questions in my head. What did they used to look like? How did indigenous people utilize the ecosystem? Which plants are native and which are invasive? Trying to research and experience the grasslands led me to a few realizations. The native plants and animals are near replaced by invasive species and barbed fences, roads, ranches, canals, and cities have divided the lands into mostly private lands with no trespassing signs.

Inspired by these ideas, I made (and am still making!) a series of miniature sculptures of hills. Besides doing ecological research, I also had to research how I was going to make these pieces. I found the diorama process to be the most helpful. There is definitely a lot about the process that I am still learning, but learning on the fly is what makes the artistic process fun for me! I hope these sculptures make you think about the natural world around you (even the mundane nature) in a new light.

You can view Grasslands with extra images and close-ups on its portfolio page here: https://www.corymorrisonart.com/grass...

Here is a list of most of the things I used to make Grasslands come to life:
1/2" Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
CelluClay Instant Papier-mâché
Mod Podge Matte
Woodland Scenics 2mm Medium Green Static Grass
Electrostatic Grass Flocking Applicator
Masking Tape
Brown Paint
Paint Brushes
Paper, Aluminum Foil, Hot Glue (to create hill shape)

Here are some videos and information that inspired me and helped me in creating this artwork:
Composition Of Native Grasslands In The San Joaquin Valley, California by Lyndon Wester https://ucanr.edu/repository/fileacce...
Ecosystems of California, Chapter 23, Grasslands by Valerie T. Eviner https://www.degruyter.com/document/do...
Realistic Scenery Volume 2 - Modelling an old dirt road - Model railroad by Luke Towan    • Realistic Scenery Volume 2 - Modellin...  

Thanks so much for watching, I greatly appreciate it! Stay tuned for more!