Artists deepening relationships with the more-than-human world
Our Vision
A world in which humans are deeply connected and living in harmony with the more-than-human.
Our Mission
Through vibrant music, visual art, movement, and thoughtful discourse, we celebrate our love of the natural world, the creativity of Earth’s ecosystems, and the ingenuity of artists.
Our Values
Grounded positivity
Reverence for the More-Than-Human
Thinking Through Making
Valuing the Role of the Artist
Cultural Inclusivity and Internationality
Our Values Grounded positivity Reverence for the More-Than-Human Thinking Through Making Valuing the Role of the Artist Cultural Inclusivity and Internationality
What is ‘Natural Resonance’?
We all know what it feels like to ‘resonate’ with a place or person, to feel a buzz of excitement and a sense of connectivity. In the physical world, every system has an innate vibrational energy. That system’s vibrations will peak (this is called ‘resonance’) when a particular frequency (‘resonant frequency’) is applied to it. We can see examples of this in bridges, tides, swings, and musical instruments.
The Natural Resonance Festival is not only named directly after this incredible natural phenomenon but also stands as a metaphor; when we are ‘in tune’ with nature, our creativity can thrive.
Our Story
Natural Resonance is the creative brainchild of Alise Kirtley, Liz and Duncan Neilson (Planetudes), and Jillian Ballas. Since hiking with instruments to play with canyon echoes in Arizona and Utah, Alise has envisioned a festival celebrating artists and the natural world. Fast forward a few years to 2021, and a meeting of the minds with Planetudes and Jillian sparked the creation of Natural Resonance. United by a deep respect for the environment and an unstoppable 'LET'S DO THIS' spirit, they launched the Natural Resonance Festival as a virtual international film festival in January 2022. Three years later, the festival thrives, boasting a vibrant community of global artists and environmental advocates.
Now in 2024, we are growing up! This year, we are in a phase of transformation, working to expand our offerings and grow our community. What’s next: In-person interdisciplinary events that showcase the works of local and international artists, virtual film screenings, editorial, and more!
Proceeds from our 2024 festival were donated to Client Earth, an environmental law charity.
Meet the team
Jillian Ballas is a mixed media environmental artist from Washington State who works primarily in drawing and sculpture. Alongside her visual art practice, she has a BA Honors Fine Art from Norwich University of the Arts and has taken part in the creation of numerous exhibitions and projects. Most notably, she is the founder of the online, environmental blog and gallery, The Syzygy Project. Jillian gathers inspiration from the environment around her and the adventures she has had within it; her art is often inspired by the experiences she has had exploring the wild landscapes of the West Coast. Through her work she reflects the threads that connect us to nearby ecosystems and challenges the notion of wilderness, encouraging the viewer to question the definitions and symbolic meanings we project onto nature in western culture.
Alise Kirtley finds herself taking the scenic route in life, with music ever-present as her compass. Having studied Astrophysics and Music Composition at Arizona State University, she began a career in Social Enterprise Development. Now back in the UK, she has spent the last decade working in Dementia Wellbeing Consultancy and Action Research. With the Austrian Alps a staple to her upbringing, Alise still thrives best when backpacking in the wilderness. Alarmed by the rate of its degradation, she is trying to take positive action. Alise has a Masters in Sustainability, and is working on a PhD in Sustainable Food Systems. When not at her desk, you’ll find her hiking, writing songs and drinking hot chocolate, often simultaneously.
Duncan Neilson believes that when we are moved by wonder, and awe, our deeper capacities of intelligence and empathy activate, which leads to positive change. By exploring new creative worlds, new ideas, and entering into new musical conversations, Duncan not only aims to expand our imaginations, but also introduce cultural conversations which can transform. In response to the ever-growing climate crisis, he founded Planetudes in Portland, OR, an instrumental avant-pop ensemble which is passionately dedicated to raising ecological awareness and inspiring engagement with the natural world through music. He has a doctorate in music composition from Columbia University, and has taught on the music faculties of Columbia University, the College of William and Mary, and Lewis and Clark College. He spoke at TEDx Lewis and Clark, is the composer in residence for the Portland Chamber Orchestra, and his compositions have been performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall, to the Knitting Factory NYC, to the Vans Warped Tour.
Liz Gill Neilson is Creative Director and co-owner of The Beauty Shop, a Portland, Oregon, design agency dedicated to creating understanding and clarifying purpose. A branding and interactive designer, printmaker, and painter, Liz has degrees from Columbia University in NYC (Visual Arts) and Pacific Northwest College of Art (Communication Design). She collaborates with her husband, composer Duncan Neilson, on their music project, Planetudes, and is proud to be a founding organizer of the Natural Resonance Festival!
Land AcknowledgementThis festival was partly organized and produced on unceded lands of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Clackamas, Tulalip Tribal nations, and the Stillaguamish Tribe. We honor that they have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial and always will be.
Donate
We run on nature and volunteers.
If you were inspired by this year’s festival, consider making a donation to support our efforts. Proceeds from this year’s festival will be donated to Client Earth, an environmental law charity.