Floating Vessels
Materials research and documentation of site specific interventions and studio projects exploring floating as a fluid construct and adaptive state.
Vessel in this context references models or structures facilitating safe passage and the flow of environmental narratives. After several seasons living and working along the shore of the deepest natural lake in Connecticut as well as a childhood spent exploring the coastline of Maine, hand-crafted vessels also serve as a metaphor for personal journeying and resilience.
Floating Vessels is an extension of past projects, specifically the exploration of psycho-geographic mapping in urban spaces, floating fiber nets and plaited vegetation in desert environs, and the resourceful gathering of flotsam and detritus during walking libraries excursions.
Climate resiliency solutions are referenced as the artist considers how floating might facilitate environmental adaptation and future imaginings.
Floating Vessel’s narratives incorporate intentionally humble materials and methods. This is important for me as I wanted the photographic documentation of the project to be relatable in terms of simple fabrication concepts. That is, I wanted viewers to be able to envision how sanctuary and safe passage might be attainable and how the surrounding environment provides clues for this.
I am a big fan of Shigeru Ban’s use of cardboard tubes and paper when constructing shelters for refugees and victims of floods.
I also admire Julia Watson’s profiling of indigenous solutions in Lo-TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism.
– from an interview featured on Plural Magazine
