The Butterfly Effect

Katrina Krueger / Billy Morgan

Listen to Katrina Krueger talk about this piece on Gil Halsted's WORT 8/18/21 broadcast

The Butterfly Effect: a property of chaotic systems (such as the atmosphere) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

From the beginning stages of life, deep within all living beings is the inevitability of transformation. Anchored in the basic elements of existence, lives an age-old desire to constantly evolve. Vulnerable and fragile, and at times created from the repercussions of destruction, are the components that magically group to create the cycle of change.

Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher said, “Change is the only constant in life.” This dependable and consistent change represents one of the foundational truths life exists upon. As we look around ourselves, especially within the last few years, we can collectively agree that it is more truthful than ever.

Butterflies have been honored as a symbol of metamorphosis since the dawn of time. Patient and timely, the butterfly starts as a meek egg, slowly growing into its caterpillar form. As the caterpillar develops and grows, it sheds its skin on the way to the chrysalis stage. The most important stage of them all and invisible to the naked eye, the chrysalis is where the most significant transformation happens. The chrysalis which is made of it’s molt, creates a protective barrier to sustain this transformation.

Tucked away, significant changes take place and the larva evolves into it’s glorious butterfly form. Once ready, the butterfly’s wings emerge and expand outward releasing itself from it’s dormant state. Now able to fly, the butterfly is invigorated with energy and beauty. No longer restricted by its physical form, the butterfly is now filled with opportunities for expansion and travel. What once was restricted is now limitless. The butterfly boastfully expresses its transformation and elegance while continuing to symbolize it’s grounding nature.

Every step in this process is rooted into earth and time. Past, present, and future our lives are transforming beneath us. Without one stage, you can not have another. Expansion can not exist without steady, continual growth. Our current moment can be represented as this growth through the chrysalis. Something that is relatable at The Farley Center and globally. Everyday, making small, steady changes that contribute to the significant and beautiful change that is before us. Transforming the way we do, work, and live while expanding and protecting the earth that gives us life, our lives are forever changing. We are at the cusp of breaking out and expanding our wings into a future that is expansive and bountiful. Don’t worry, for when our wings expand, our possibilities are endless!

The creation of our environmental sculpture at The Farley Center was one that evolved organically. Walking through the wooded acres and trying to capture the essence of the land, we scanned for a place that called to us. Nestled on the edge of the newly acquired land, we found the perfect spot for our installation. Surrounded by a small circle of trees, we began to gather materials for our piece. Scattered throughout, we were fortunate to find skeletons of trees and various branches we could use to form the chrysalis. With the addition of natural twine, we began to shape the chrysalis, filling it’s shell with foliage all around. We also used unbleached, organic cotton spread across the chrysalis to mimic the molt created by the larva.

Back at our workshop (really our living room), we started to construct the butterfly wings out of untreated, biodegradable paper. To create the structural skeleton, we used untreated wooden popsicle sticks adhered by a natural adhesive made of baking soda, milk, water, and vinegar. We then sewed thin sticks with twine around the outside of the wings to create a more secure structure. The body of the butterfly was created with various branches held together by twine. To finish the butterfly, we used milk paint to create the popping colors that butterflies are best known for.

We welcome you to enjoy The Butterfly Effect and ponder what inspires your own transformation and its influence on each other and our world

Katrina Krueger: Influenced by our ever-changing world and personal experience, Katrina has gained a lifetime appreciation for self-expression and creativity through various art forms. Currently, Katrina owns and operates The Wander Parlour in Madison, WI as a beauty artist.

Billy Morgan: From Georgia to Kansas, Nebraska and now Wisconsin, Billy has enjoyed various landscapes and the beauty of nature in all of them. It is important for him to stay connected with nature. The Farley Center and this project gives him the perfect opportunity to do so.