Team Research

This proposal seeks support for the formation of an interdisciplinary team to explore the dynamic systems and cyclical changes of tidal flow along the Georgia Coast through a collaborative dialogue between the arts and sciences. The project will be led by Michael Marshall, visual artist and Director of the Social Ecology Studio in the School of Art, in partnership with artist Maria Artemis, recipient of numerous awards for interdisciplinary art installations. The project aims to initiate a
sustained exchange across disciplines to investigate how complex ecological systems such as tidal estuaries can be interpreted, modeled, and expressed through diverse disciplinary lenses.

The team brings together faculty from Art, Marine Sciences, Geography, Music, and Mathematics to engage in a shared inquiry into tidal patterns as both scientific phenomena and metaphoric frameworks for understanding climate change, ecological cycles, human patterns, and environmental disruption. Through a series of structured conversations, site visits, and collaborative design sessions, the group will explore how each discipline contributes unique understanding, methodologies, and perspectives to the study of dynamic ecosystems. These interactions will inform the foundation and conceptual development of immersive arts installations that integrate scientific data, visual and sonic elements, and spatial design to create an embodied experience of tidal flow and complex living systems.

As a pilot project, the team envisions a gallery installation that translates coastal tidal data into a series of interrelated sculptural and aural elements, projected across multiple speakers, together
creating a dynamic spatial and auditory environment reflecting the rhythmic undulation of tides. Projected images and video footage of the Georgia coastal ecosystem will further immerse visitors in the
ecosystem, offering a multisensory experience that evokes both the scientific and emotional dimensions of ecological change.

A key goal of this team-building phase is to foster mutual understanding of disciplinary languages, tools, research methods, and values, while identifying opportunities for innovative collaboration. The project also opens space for considering how artistic practices might serve as interpretive and communicative bridges, offering new ways to engage with scientific research and reach broader audiences.

By cultivating interdisciplinary dialogue around a shared ecological focus, this initiative aligns with the goals of the TIR Pre-Seed Program, in connection with sustainability and resilience initiatives, to support the early stages of team formation and position the participants for future collaborative research development and funding opportunities. Based on the outcome of the team dialogue, the project will pursue future funding opportunities that potentially span from arts organizations such as the Mellon Foundation, NEA, and South Arts; to arts and environment-focused grants such as the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative, the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Art + Environment, and the Kresge Foundation Arts & Culture Program; to scientific and federal agencies supporting arts integration for broader impacts such as NSF and NEH.

Team Lead

Marshall, Michael
mmars@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: School of Art

Team Members

Alber, Mary
malber@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Marine Sciences

Artemis, Maria
Maria.Artemis@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: School of Art

Bara, Daniel
dbara@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: School of Music

Bernardes, Sergio
sbernard@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Geography

Harper, Anna
a.harper@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Geography 

Kazanci, Caner
caner@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Mathematics 

Lane, Peter
pvzl@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: School of Music

Yager, Patricia
pyager@uga.edu
College: Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Marine Sciences