River Foam (2020)

During the year, forest streams in New England accumulate fallen debris such as leaves twigs and other organic material which through decay release surfactant compounds. The surfactants, like soap, reduce the water’s surface tension promoting the formation of bubbles. In a forest behind my house, a wooden walkway interferes with the water’s flow enabling the buildup of river foam capturing fallen seeds, buds, flowers and various woodland critters. The waters brown color results from tannins released by the soaking leaves. This project samples the beautiful abstract patterns which formed by the walkway over a period of a week during last spring’s runoff.