Being a responsible ancestor for the next generation.

Planet Labs, Artist Residency

The Nomadic Artist
Aug 27, 2017 · 3 min read
Satellite image imaged by Planet. PC: Planet.com

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. — Chief Seattle

Sitting at a round-table discussion with Alan Cooper, from user experience design and strategy firm , he poses the question: “Is what I am doing making me a good ancestor?” Our conversation flows through current political, social, and environmental concerns, pondering this question. We discuss how important it is to consider the future in all decision-making, from personal choices to collective endeavors.

Forest Stearns, Director of Planet’s Art Residency, and Andrew Kaufteil, Senior Director at Cooper, pose at Cooper headquarters. PC: Richelle Gribble

Living in San Francisco feels like living in the future. I am surrounded by creative thinkers, innovators, problem solvers, environmentalists, and conscious consumers. It is as if everyone’s minds are set on a better future and we are simply catching up to that vision. Those who are future thinking are preparing for their ancestors, conscious of what they leave behind.

Urbanization imaged by Planet satellite. PC: Katherine Scott
Glacial melt imaged by Planet satellite. PC: Katherine Scott

At , human impact is more evident than ever. Their data illuminates our ancestry and our influence from above. An aerial view is a record of evolution that enables us to see how systems change over time. We can witness how systems thrive or collapse by comparing images of the same location each day, enabling predictions of where we are going.

Now, unlike ever before, we can view global change from space. Tracking water supply, agriculture, industrial growth, urban development, growth patterns, deforestation, trade systems, etc. is now accessible at a click of a button via . If we see global changes, we can take preventative and adaptive measures to prepare for future generations.


Panel discussion on “Driving radical change — How fast are startups transforming the art industry.” PC: Open Austria
Solar System mixed media artwork by Casey Cripe, featured artist at Exploratorium.
SF_Portal in a freight box on Crissy Field with a stranger (and new friend) in Rwanda.

In four weeks in San Francisco, I attended several innovative events and experiences. I watched a panel discussion by on how startups are impacting the arts industry; examined celestial artworks by at the ; visited the , a project promoting empathy and connection with life-size real-time video chat between strangers in other countries.

Each event is vastly different but hints at a larger goal to broaden perspective, embrace innovation, and evolve us. Whether viewing complex artworks of the cosmos or having a heartfelt conversation with a stranger across the globe, these activities erase boundaries pushing for a more connected future for all.

I am hopeful that individuals and organizations are working hard to remind us of our inherent responsibility to each other and the planet. Ask yourself — are you being a good ancestor?

Planet Stories

Using space imagery to tell stories about our changing planet.

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The Nomadic Artist

Written by

Traveling the World with Artist Residencies (for free!)

Planet Stories

Using space imagery to tell stories about our changing planet.

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