Joan Lederman The SoftEarth P.O. Box 252 Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543-0252 USA ( 508) 540-5237 email

What is an underlying question that gives form to your work or interest in this field?

What now?

What is your personal experience of collective wisdom in groups?

Varied, in groups that are morphing collections of diverse organisms.

What is it about the work in this field that excites you and connects you to your own deepest self?

Everything and everyone are connected.

Please provide a brief storyline or snapshot of what brought you to this work.

Being consistently a misfit in groups caused me to be attracted, because I know I function well and love being part of groups that are creating together -- house building, growing food in Vermont in a community where many were self-reliant, using materials of climate change research (science and core samples) as an art form (art and ceramic glazes), helped me realize I am well suited to groups where the gatekeeper has an openish door policy.

How would you like to be available to others in this field? What would be a meaningful connection? Are you available to talk with others? What contribution might you be able to make?

My intention is to be available but economic realities usually require that money changes hands to allow my good concentration.

Links to this site or others:

New book by Joan: Messages from the Flower Pulpit

Video showing Joan at work in Woods Hole

From Centered on the Edge:
     Photos: Dialogue, Burning Embers
     Pottery: Cauldron
     Commentary: At the Edge