Description:

Thermally Coupled, explores the fragile strata that exists along arctic circle.  At the top of the piece a full spectrum LED grow lamp nourishes tundra moss and lichen that grows in a layer of dark humus rich soil.  Under this humus layer, frozen peat rich layer holds the upper layers in place.  The frozen peat layer looks to simulate arctic perma-frost. Below, keeping the peat frozen is a freezer plate.  Occasionally small peristaltic pump on a programmable timer will mist sustaining water on the tundra vegetation.  This project creates a mechanical life support system for a small piece of the frozen organic landscape.  The cooling system for this project is taken from a recycled mini refrigerator, similar to what one would find in a college dorm room.  All of the cooling coils and compressor were meticulously removed and reconfigured into the base of Thermally Coupled.  This over-built system seeks to raise questions in the viewer around human impact, climate change and ongoing permafrost thaw in the arctic.

Materials: Aluminum, repurposed mini fridge mechanism, ice, water, full spectrum grow light, grass, peat, dirt, peristaltic pump, tubing, Arduino, various electronics.

danmillerart.com