|
Prognosis – (Performed 2018 April 13, 14, 15 in the Shared Graduate Dance Concert at University of Maryland)
Lighting Design: Peter Leibold Performed with Joe Gipson This work deals with the trash we wear: individually and collectively, conscious or unconscious, seen and unseen. I sculpted the trash dress utilizing my own collection of physical objects that I was holding on to in order to take ownership of them. The process of creating the sculpture revealed the many psychic entities attached through the pathways and stories from these physical things. The choreography for the work was inspired from standing inside of a cardboard box; unable to move the position of my feet, yet able to reach out, witness and become aware of the box’s restraint. Through improvisation, I moved in and out of the awareness of the sculpture’s prowess, what it held and what it displayed; what I held and what I displayed. Three cardboard canvas’ were created for the three live performances of this piece. During the performance the canvas’ captured the marks of charcoal fixed and extending from the trash dress with wire. These charcoal lines are meant to display the act of taking responsibility for the marks we make, often thinking these are not made 'with our own hands.' These marks are made on the mind, on bodies, on the earth, on the spirit and on the collective consciousness. As a choreographer, this piece shed much light within my own responsibility for the movement I put upon other artists/dancers. Trash Dress Sculpture: personal objects and trash sewn with galvanized steel on a wetsuit; the frame of the work is chicken wire, plastic container lid and cardboard. |
|
|
|
|
Ephemeral I, II, & III, 3’ x 4’ charcoal and acrylic paint on cardboard
Using the marks made by the dance work, Prognosis, I entered into a contemplative painting practice with the canvas.’ Moved through color, form and shape; the painting process transcribed the memories and feelings of the dance, the sculpture and what was gleaned. It was taking responsibility for the marks I had made. Making them into something new. And letting them go, which is suggested in the use of the impermanence of cardboard as canvas. These works also suggest a reality in the archival of history. The shapes, lines, textures and colors that make our past have many ways of living into the future. How easily could it have been red instead of blue!? As an artist, I strive to be transparent about the truth of these choices (the lack of choice for many) and take responsibility of their humanity, chance and intuition. These works attempt to shed light on the fragility and importance of our histories – to be honest with them, take responsibility for them and make something new. |
