Terrarium

collage on paper

8″ x 10″

Terrariums are one way people distill the complex systems of nature down into its most basic parts. They are highly controlled and knowable. The essential components are a sealed glass container, plants, soil, water, and light. Their interaction in the vessel creates a small water cycles as the heat causes the water to evaporate and condense on the glass walls, ultimately falling back to the soil and watering the plants. The plants use the light for photosynthesis, keeping a steady balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide.