I believe the contemporary artist must rely on a highly individualized, idiosyncratic, and interdisciplinary approach to making art. An interdisciplinary focus acknowledges the parallels between established genres and canons and supports engagement in artistic diversity, allowing innovative directions in art making and practice to emerge.

An artist builds upon his or her own history and experience and I am no exception. Over time my work has grown more socially engaged and autobiographical. As a Hurricane Katrina survivor, I see acutely our collective, tenuous, and symbiotic relationship with the natural world. Knowing the importance of sustainable living and working practices, I combine various materials such as ceramic, fabric, wood, and LEDs with issues of landscape and environmentalism. My research into hydroponics and the idea of the victory garden has led me to investigate possible solutions that are poetic responses to pragmatic issues. The ubiquitous novelty of the Chia Pet™ and the nutritious and easily grown Chia super grain inspire projects that utilize Chia as both an art form and a sustainable food source. I believe issues of environmental ethics addressed through current thought on art, audience, and intervention can be more about the tools, models, and ideas that already exist as possible solutions and less about the problems and limitations we need to overcome.

- Jeff Schmuki