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Safe and Sound
The word, sound, has multiple meanings. In this case, it is used to mean secure, in good health, and peaceful (as used when describing sleep). In my experience, the phrase, “safe and sound,” is related to childhood memories. When parents tuck their children into bed at night, they tell them they hope they sleep “safe and sound.” It is also a common phrase to use at the end of a trip to let people know you arrived safely, without incident, unharmed – “I have arrived safe and sound.”
Safe and Sound is a place where all people are welcome. Anyone can come hang out and know they are amongst like-being people. The structure is built using easily recognizable materials found around Mänttä in hopes everyone feels comfortable approaching and interacting with the artwork.
Ripple Effects of Our Footprints
The lake was glass - like nothing I've ever seen before. I stared at it in wonder.
I walked out on a dock to get a more immersive vantage point. To my surprise, it was a floating dock. I could immediately see the effect I had on my environment as my movement created ripples in the lake. My presence changed the scene. The lake was no longer like glass as the weight of my being rippled across its surface. I sat down on the dock and stayed in this experience. Time was suspended as my ripples carried out farther and farther.
It sounds so simple, but my whole being knew at that moment how important
every-
single-
thing-
is.
When I was out there I wished everyone could go there independently and experience nature. Nature unifies us and has a way of bringing me back to remember my true priorities that are so often swept away in our time-scheduled busy lives. In this moment, time did not matter for me (I am fortunate to have a very free schedule here.).
The image is flipped upside down because while I was out there, part of what my whole being understood is that we, humans, sometimes do not know which way is up. Some of us are completely backwards in our thinking. We are not masters of this planet or of each other. We are Part of The Whole (see Peter Reason). We are participants in this living breathing community.
The ripple effect follows its typical symbolism. The weight of my step caused ripples out into the entire lake. We typically associate our “footprint” with ecological issues and responsibilities, but in these moments at the lake, I understood it as everything - ecological, social, evolutionary, etc. Everything we do or don’t do has a consequence. We are empowered to create positive effects all around us.
Inspired by guys at the bar who try to teach me how to play pool (billiards)
They are turned on when you walk by them.
Materials: fans, lights, plastic, blue painter’s tape, motion sensor, electricity, passersby
Collaboration with Leigh Ann Parrish, 10 days at Wilson College in PA. Images shown here are part of piece, The Chorus and its welcoming committee at the entrance - distant sounds of horse play and birds chirping accompany the experience. More images can be seen at www.LeighAnnParrishPhotography.com. More about the town of Chambersburg, PA and its incredibly fascinating history will be in a future blog post. It is important to note Wilson College's mascot is the Phoenix.
To experience history not burdened by guilt but uplifted by pride of being on the right side is something I will never forget.
works created at Vanha Paukku Cultural Centre in Lapua, Finland
A Mother and her Warrior Vest
Wishing Well (pun intended)
works created at AiR Frosterus in Kärsämäki, Finland
“There is a specific air felt with each breath here in Cádiz – where old mixes with new and everything in between can be seen and felt by investigating the layers. Examples can be found along the shoreline at La Caleta – a blockade of brick, sand, rock, cement, shell and moss spans the wall, while sea glass from fiestas past and balloon fragments leftover from carnival pave the way. The architecture tells a tale of history older than my entire nation – stone walls that existed before my ancestors stepped foot on the ground of my country, in which I just stand in awe. But in the midst of these ancient buildings telling their stories, are dozens of children playing in circles and plazas, demanding attention for youth and proving survival of family, love and community through the ages. The ocean breeze that sweeps on rooftops and through the streets is a steady reminder of past, present and implied future, touching and influencing us all. My work here was inspired by this dialogue between the historical architectural thread that runs throughout the city and the playful nature of excited youth that promises a future just as prosperous.”
Many separate pieces came from this residency. The exhibition space is intimate and I thought it the perfect location for combining works to build a scene illustrating the concept(s).
Documentation of this piece was challenging. Due to certain fiesta circumstances and consequences, I no longer have possession of my camera. At this time, the only documentation I have of the actual live installation is from an LG K8 cell phone. Yikes! If I can track down other images from the exhibition, I will update the post. Until then, pull out your magnifying glass! It seems, this show was a spectacle, never again to be seen. Below, are some screenshots, phone camera shots, and thanks to my friend, Annie, some after exhibition documentation.
works created at Haihatus in Joutsa, Finland
Home is where i am
Reflexive Portrait
Paper Exchange
Hybrids
