Project Clarification
Liz et all,
Sorry for the confusion. Admittedly, our initial outline was assuaged, if you will, in an effort to save the “wow” factor for Friday. However, this defeats the purpose of a group dialogue/getting feedback prior to the formal presentation on Friday, so…
It is our goal to create a series of biodegradable, nontoxic, impermanent sculptures along the waterfront. Similar to the Dung Bunny that Colin posted, these sculptures will be formed from a combination of substances (clay, alfalfa, hay, dung, etc.) that can retain a form for a predetermined amount of time - these substances, and consequently times, will be chosen based on the intended life expectancy of the sculptures. Overtime, as the sculptures are subjected to the elements, seeds embedded within the sculptures will sprout and overtake the sculptures. At the same time the elements will wear at the sculptures causing them to break down and return to the earth from whence they came. The sculptures will chart the evolution of man’s relationship to/with nature. The first of the sculptures would be 10-20 salmon sculptures “running” upstream. The use of salmon on this site should be obvious enough, and their eventual decomposition relates to a comment made in class on Friday regarding forest health and growth through returning salmon. Thus, we demonstrate a naturally occurring, fully sustainable, cycle. The second sculpture would be a manmade object - perhaps a motorcycle, or, better yet, a lawnmower. Regardless, this object would represent mans attempted control over nature. The eventual decomposition of said object would represent the oft forgotten, or unrealized, fact that man, and his objects, are still an extension of nature. The third object is yet to be determined, but would make the previously mentioned connection even more explicit - an object that would represent a fully harmonious and sustainable relationship between the salmon (nature) and the machine (man). There is room for more objects within these, however, they may be unnecessary and have not, as of yet, been thought up.
The consistent use of the same materials throughout is key, as consistent materials suggest that these objects are, in actuality, interconnected - despite our proclivity to see them as separate. The breakdown of these objects overtime also demonstrates this principle and that of sustainability through the creation of sustainable, renewable, products. I hope this helps to clear some of the confusion – looking forward to everyone’s thoughts.
