Set installation for The Odyssey at Double Edge Theatre
To see a video of the making of the wool sails click HERE
To hear an interview on WRSI click HERE
Residencies are a cherished item among artists. It is concentrated time designed to provide an artist the time and space to work on a project and expand one’s usual way of thinking and creating. I consider my collaboration with Double Edge Theatre this summer to be an artist residency with perks.
My outdoor installations interact and respond with the environment, animals and people. This summer the installations will interact and respond to the performers of Double Edge, much as if the sculptures have a role performing and telling a story as well. Currently, hauntingly beautiful Greek ballads are being practiced nearby as the wind moves the wool and aluminum sails this way and that, in a dance of sorts.
Photo by David Weiland, The Odyssey, Double Edge Theatre Usually a visual artist will respond to an internal idea and create a painting or sculpture that expresses that impulse. Much of the time creating in the studio is a solo act. For many artists there is a personal seesaw of a need for solitude and community. Here at Double Edge I welcome the challenge presented by the director and actors who develop their own scenes, music and visual imagery of Homer’s Odyssey. It is a communal kernel of an idea presented by Homer that is expanded upon exponentially as actors, interns, artists and volunteers add their ideas. The build up of visual and performing art becomes exciting, new skills are learned and thinking is expanded. It is an artist’s dream and a gift to work with such dedicated and talented professional artists.
Bag of wind made out of cane and sausage casing. I like to consider it Poseidon's lung.
a forty foot sail designed to move about on a spring and is projected onto.
Detail of wall of wool.
Addendum
Some of the sails have been left up after the Odyssey had finished its run. They have survived a hurricane, two snow storms and curious calves who play amongst the wool. The November winds are pulling loose tendrils that are activated by the menacing wind. These weathered sails remind me of Penelope's night time ritual of undoing her weaving to keep her suitors at bay.
Photo by Maria Baranova, Double Edge Theatre