ABOVE: Angela Justice holds one of her unique moss artworks. An accompanying seal can be seen in the background. Justice’s work is now on display at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont.
FAIRMONT – Whimsical, comforting and unique are all words that come to mind when looking at the works of Angela Justice. The Fairmont native’s show, Forest Dreams, is now on display at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont.
Although he only recently began creating his art with moss, Justice has a long history of combining science and art.
After graduating from Fairmont High School, she went to Minnesota State University-Mankato, where she earned a degree in psychology. While a student, she also danced, having started locally at the Borchardt Dance Company. Justice then went to the University of Chicago and earned a doctorate in biopsychology.
Speaking about his interest in psychology, Justice said: “I was interested in the brain and how the mind works and how that translates into behavior. From studying psychology as an undergraduate and then switching to biopsychology, rather a neuroscience specialization in graduate school, it deepened that interest in mind and behavior.
She remained in Chicago for many years, working as a management consultant and then in a non-profit organization. Justice ended up in biotech, where she spent most of her career.
Most recently she lives and works in Boston, but bought a home in Fairmont about a year ago.
“I’ve been coming back here all my life and I wish I could spend more time here,” Justice said.
She recently left her career in biotechnology but has her own practice as an executive coach and advisor to leaders in health and science. She divides her time between this and her art work.
She began co-creating her moss art in 2019, although her interest in art began at an early age, in the form of dance.
“I have always been fascinated by art in all its forms. Growing up, there was always music playing,” Justice said.
First, she started foraging and creating moss art for her own home, but as she did it, more and more people found out about it, it became more than just a hobby.
“It’s a wonderful way to express myself, but also to get out into the woods. There is something so satisfying about being able to seek out the materials I use and work them by hand. Every aspect of it feels like a really interesting creation process.” Justice said.
Almost all of the elements in her works on display at the Red Rock Center were sourced in Fairmont. However, Justice noted that she was surprised to learn that moss is easier to find in Boston than here in Fairmont.
“We go to Cedar Creek Park to look for moss and it’s like a treasure hunt, so I carry moss in my suitcase from Boston and wait for the time when the TSA stops me and wonders what I’m doing.” Justice said with a laugh.
She uses some special techniques while foraging because sustainability is important to her and her work.
“A lot of care is involved,” Justice said.
Along with moss, she collects many wild flowers and lichens, as well as types of mushrooms. She doesn’t really look for specific objects, but grabs what catches her attention and creative mind. Assembling the pieces follows much the same approach.
“The process of putting the pieces together is really organic. I found that when I try to make them look a certain way, it doesn’t flow as naturally. I try to pick some of the elements I’m drawn to at the moment and let them do the talking. This is indeed so. The pieces just appear and take on a life of their own,” Justice said.
She keeps the objects she searches for and meticulously separates them. Through the process she uses, the items will retain their color and texture.
“If you let the moss go, it will dry up and die and turn brown and hard. You need to actively store them to maintain color and elasticity. The biggest risk to the pieces is someone touching or bumping them. It’s more of a physical risk than an elemental rhythm,” Justice said.
Parts vary in size. She has made a larger 24-by-36-inch triptych as a commission, but some of them are smaller in size. They can be hung on the wall or placed on a shelf or table.
Accompanying most of the moss artwork in the show are art prints. For them, Justice photographs the moss art from a unique angle and digitally manipulates the images to create a unique look. Prints can go along with the moss art or stand alone.
Ultimately, Justice wants people to feel something when they look at her art.
“I’m trying to communicate something beyond mere decoration. I want people to feel that state of mind and feel peace and feel less anxious and more relaxed. To feel an escape,” she said.
Her show at the Red Rock Center is the first she’s done.
“I’ve sold pieces along the way since I started, but it’s never been about this. It’s about the act of making them and sharing them with others. Doing a show is really fantastic because my main intention is just to share it.” Justice said.
At 14:00 on Sunday, March 10, there will be a meet and greet with artists.
“I will be happy if people come. It will be nice to talk to people and answer any question they have. Justice said.
More information about Justice and her work can be found online at foresthetic.com.
