Misha Donohoe

Misha is an Australian–Canadian artist with a background in evolutionary biology and science communication. Through her painting practice, Misha turns the lens of inquiry inward to dissolve notions of objectivity. Her sensitive and conceptual works often draw attention to complexity and interdependence within natural systems.

Between the development of paintings for exhibition, Misha can be found working on illustrations for research, publication, film, and education with wonderful collaborators from around the world. Completing the Diploma in Botanical Illustration at RBGE gave Misha an enduring regard for the individuality and intelligence of plants.

https://mishfish.art/

https://www.mishfish.com/

Title of the Project:

Willows of the Yukon

About the Project:

Willows are an important part of northern ecosystems. They are known locally as kʼàyʼ, (Southern Tutchone, Northern Tutchone and Upper Tanana), kʼąyʼ (Hän), k'aii (Gwich’in), chʼáal’ (Tlingit), gū́le (Kaska), and kʼeye (Tagish), willow (English), saule (French). In a scientific context, the genus is known as Salix. Their presence in the land weaves an intricate and interdependent story.

Willows are medicine, fibre, and tools; they are food for porcupines, moose, ptarmigan, and many others; they support emerging networks of insects who dance and hum among the blooms in spring. Willows rebuild landscapes and support recovery following human contamination events; they embody wondrous polyploidy with significant somatic chromosome variation; and they shine a light on the evolution of dioecious (having female and male reproductive organs on separate plants.)  life histories within plantae.

In circumpolar regions, willows are shifting their ecogeographical range in response to climate change; and in Misha’s home country (Australia) they embody the folly of naive land management practices, earning the dubious status as a Weed of National Significance.

Willows are graceful, complex, enigmatic and tell us many things about ourselves. As a whisperer through the winds of our collective metaphor and stories, they themselves become a medium of creativity – even physically, as a fine art charcoal.

Illustrations: