BREATH
“Each breath we take is more than an act of survival — it is an intricate dialogue with the intelligence of life itself. The microbiome of this planet — woven into its soil, waters, and air — is the foundation of resilience, not only for ecosystems but for the human body.”
—Dr. Zach Bush, MD
BREATH, one of eight site-specific ceramic sculptures at Dow Gardens | May 2025 – April 2026
Our first breath announces entry into this world, the beginning of our story that is a life force of breathing into awareness. This totemic sculpture is found where marriages and partnerships are confirmed. It contextualizes a piece of modern art through the noticing and pondering of reflection — a red bridge reflected in water, totemic art reflecting the red bridge. This mirroring offers potential to consider unifying principles, revealing who we are on a deeper level.
Nature, Energy, & Reflection is a year-long installation exploring the quiet dialogue between clay, breath, and place. Each piece was created in response to a specific site within the Gardens and is paired with a guided meditation to deepen connection and awareness. Together, the works invite visitors to tune into the subtle energies of the natural world — and the resonance within.
Location: Red Bridge Overlook
About Dow Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Midland, Michigan, Dow Gardens is a living sanctuary of cultivated beauty and wild serenity. Spanning over 100 acres, the Gardens offer a rich landscape of woodlands, streams, meadows, and meticulously tended beds that shift with the seasons.
More than just a botanical garden, Dow Gardens is a place of deep sensory engagement—where art, nature, and reflection converge. It serves as a canvas for Helen’s current site-specific installation, allowing her work to integrate with the rhythms of the natural world and offer visitors an experience that is both grounding and expansive.
Dow Gardens is open year-round and welcomes all who seek quiet wonder, beauty, and connection.