Geo Rutherford’s work explores notions of invasiveness, impermanence, and the unseen in relation to the Great Lakes.  The transparent waters are a deceptive indicator of the health of the ecosystems below the surface. With climate change, invasive species, and polluted waters, the lakes are quickly devolving into a water desert at the heart of North America. She collects various specimens the lake has turned over to the sandy perimeter from mother nature’s pocket change to articles of the Anthropocene. Much of this evidence tells a deeper truth as to what is going on at the heart of Great Lake’s waters, such as the sharp white shells of zebra and quagga mussels, found indiscriminately amongst the lake detritus. Through lithography, block printing, screen printing, and etching, she creates a bounty of material to cut up and collage. She constantly repurposes prints, mixing media and experimenting with results that twist, squirm, pucker, tuck and multiply.

Geo Rutherford is an artist and educator who transitioned into the publishing world after a career dedicated to art education. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is the Visual Arts Director at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Geo’s fascination with lakes, initially sparked by her artistic practice, gained widespread attention when she began sharing on TikTok. Her engaging videos, which delve into the science behind phenomena like unusual ice formations and drifting islands, quickly captivated a global audience. However, her account truly took off when she started her popular “Spooky Lakes” series in October of 2020. Today, she frequently receives messages from teachers and parents who appreciate her educational content that inspires kids to explore science, history and environmental causes.

Geo's artistic practice is centered on environmental issues related to the Great Lakes. She creates prints, artist’s books, and large-scale mixed media works that explore themes of invasiveness, impermanence, and the unseen aspects of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Geo holds a BFA from Eastern Michigan University and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition to her academic role, she co-chairs the #whyyoumatter nonprofit in her spare time.