ABOVE: Angela Justice holds one of her unique moss art pieces. An accompanying print can be seen in the background. Justice’s work is on display now at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT– Whimsical, calming and unique are all words one may think of upon viewing Angela Justice’s art work. The Fairmont native’s show, Forest Dreams, is now on display at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont.

While she only recently began creating her moss art, Justice has a long history of combining the sciences and art.

After graduating from Fairmont High School, she went to Minnesota State University-Mankato, where she obtained a degree in psychology. While a college student, she also danced after getting her start locally at Borchardt Dance Company. Then Justice went to the University of Chicago and got a PhD in biopsychology.

Speaking of her interest in psychology, Justice said, “I was interested in the brain and how the mind works and how that translates into behavior. From studying psychology as an undergrad and then moving into biopsychology, more of a neuroscience specialization in graduate school, it deepened that interest with the mind and behavior.”

She stayed in Chicago for many years, working as a management consultant and then for a non-profit. Ultimately, Justice got involved in biotechnology, where she has spent the majority of her career.

Most recently, she’s been living and working in Boston but just about a year ago bought a home in Fairmont.

“I’ve been coming back here all my life and wanted to be able to spend more time here,” Justice said.

She recently left her career in biotechnology but has her own practice as as an executive coach and advisor for health care and sciences leaders. She divides her time between doing that and her art work.

She started crafting together her moss art in 2019, though her interest in art started at a young age, in the form of dance.

“I’ve always been fascinated with art in all forms. We always had music playing when I was growing up,” Justice said.

First, she started foraging and putting together moss art for her own home but as she did more and more people found out about it, it’s grown into more than just a hobby.

“It’s a wonderful way to express myself but also get out into the woods. There’s something so satisfying about being able to forage the materials I’m using and process them by hand. Every aspect of it feels like a really interesting process of creation,” Justice said.

Almost all of the elements in her pieces on display at the Red Rock Center have been foraged in Fairmont. However, Justice did note she was surprised to learn that it’s easier to find moss in Boston than it is here in Fairmont.

“We go to Cedar Creek Park looking for moss and it’s like a treasure hunt, so I carry moss in my suitcase from Boston and I’m waiting for the time that TSA stops me and wonders what I’m doing,” Justice said with a laugh.

She uses some special techniques while foraging because sustainability is important to her and her work.

“There’s a lot of care involved,” Justice said.

Along with moss, she collects plenty of wild flowers and lichen and also mushroom varieties. She doesn’t really look for specific items, but grabs what catches her attention and creative mind. Putting the pieces together is done with much of the same approach.

“The process of assembling the pieces is really organic. I’ve found that when I try to make them look a certain way, it doesn’t flow as naturally. I try to pick some of the elements I’m drawn to in the moment and let them speak. That’s really how it is. The pieces just emerge and take on their own life,” Justice said.

She preserves the items she forages and meticulously pieces them together. Through the process she uses, the elements will maintain their color and texture.

“If you let moss go it will dry out and die and become brown and hard. You need to actively preserve them to keep the color and suppleness. The biggest risk to the pieces is someone touching or bumping them. It’s more of a physical risk than an elemental rick,” Justice said.

The pieces range in size. She has done a larger triptych of 24 by 36 inches as commission piece but some of them are smaller in size. They can be hung on the wall or set on a shelf or table.

Accompanying most of the moss art pieces in the show are art prints. For these, Justice photographs the moss art from a unique angle and digitally manipulates the images to create a unique look. The prints can go together with the moss art or stand alone.

Ultimately, Justice wants people to feel something when they look at her art.

“I’m trying to communicate something beyond just decoration. I want people to feel that state of mind and feel a sense of calm and to feel less anxious and more tranquil. To feel an escape,” she said.

Her show at the Red Rock Center is the first she’s ever done.

“I’ve sold pieces along the way since I’ve begun, but it’s never really been about that. It’s been about the act of making them and sharing them with others. To do a show is really fantastic because my primary intent is just to share it,” Justice said.

There will be an artist meet and greet at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.

“I would love it if people come by. It will be nice to talk with people and answer any of their questions,” Justice said.

More information about Justice and her work can be found online at foresthetic.com.