virUS
Public Installation, Video
April 2020
100 Clay Roof Tiles, 1 Sledgehammer, 1 Pick Axe
10 ft x 50 ft
Los Angeles, California
To view the 1 minute 45 second video, click here
This installation was a collaboration with artist Adam Guy to create a large scale installation in support of our global fight against the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The goal of this piece is to express humanity’s strength and resilience to the global pandemic, but not without the truth that accompanies it: fear, anxiety, grief and more. Clay tiles are frequently used as roofing on houses in Southern California. Listed as a give away on Craigslist they are a perfect symbol for the significance of “Home.” Lining up the tiles like dominoes, we spelled out the word “VIRUS” in 12 ft. letters then proceeded to crush the first three letters of the word with a sledge hammer and pick axe - leaving the remaining part of the word as "US.” We then documented the process via photography and video. Both of us live alone in our art studios/warehouse across the hall from each other and had been self isolating for four weeks. With social distancing in place, this installation let us share the frustration of our challenges creatively while conveying that we are all in this fight together.
An Ankh for Paris
Public Installation
2015
200 Baguettes
Paris, France
52 ft x 39 ft
This installation was a collaboration with french artist Philippe Renauldon, created to show solidarity and support for Paris after the terrorist attacks on November 13, 2015. The Ankh, an egyptian hieroglyphic symbol meaning "everlasting life," is also known to be the shape of a bull's vertebra, implying strength and power. The symbol's shape is also similar to the top of a sandal. With it's loop as it's node, it allows one to put his or her toe ahead and move forward.
Precious Us
Installation
2015
Various Rocks in Snow
Ymerbukta
Spitsbergen, Norway
This installation is part of a series of work created while attending an artist residency program sailing on the Arctic Ocean around Spitsbergen, Norway. Precious Us represents the fragility of both humans and our planet as well as reminding us that all things are temporary.
I Can't Breathe
Installation
2020
645 Pine Cones on Dirt
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Phillips Lake, Oregon
This installation took place in response to the May 25, 2020, killing of George Floyd - a 46 year old black man who was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. A white police officer knelt on Floyd's neck for almost eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down, begging for his life and repeatedly saying "I can't breathe". A total of three white officers were involved in constraining Floyd until he was motionless and had no pulse while the public looked on. Floyd's death triggered protests world wide against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police accountability.
Broken Fence
Installation
2015
Kelp, Twine, Metal Post, Chain
Magdelenafjorenden, Gravneset
Spitsbergen, Norway
This project examines perceptions about the logic behind human beings need to fix things - be it oneself or obstructions within our environment. This broken fence was found in the Arctic and then restored by connecting each pole with found seaweed. By using string to tie the kelp to one another, the fence was made whole again.
