Silent - Tactile Conversation Installation
Finally! I was looking forward to space where I could share opinions to questions about the first value- safety- I collected thus far via questionnaires. All became complete by co-creating with these answers. I continued collecting views and encouraged people to interact with the answers displayed in the installation by attaching elements I provided. As I intended, the exchange happened. People were taking in the answers that were given by others, now shared in this particular context. Then, they continue with giving their answers and opinions for others to take in. My role is to share these in as many ways as possible. The cycle becomes embedded in story creation through this tactile conversation. Getting to know what you think and others think, getting deep within to introspect and checking with yourself where you are at the moment. Through opening up and being exposed to a diversity of opinions, it becomes clear that we tell stories, which contribute if not result in how we shape and move in the world.
The Safety.Sanctuary. set in full swing.
04 - 28.01.2018
One to one spoken word performance
I was so excited to have my proposal accepted and to be offered a gallery space in this big, echoey and light filled place for a month. This was my first attempt and chance to do my version of endurance performance. I was here, present during opening hours giving one to one spoken word performances. That was a new experience for me too. I took a huge jump and realised I am putting myself in a fully vulnerable state. Yet, the purpose to share the poem as a form of gift and keeping eye contact were paramount to present a possible interaction, which can be intimate even at times of discomfort. My comfort was very tied to the feelings and emotions I encountered in an individual. I remember that upon offering a spoken word performance a state of shock and disbelief was induced. Yet, interestingly, there was hardly anyone who refused. I instantly knew this is a body of work that will be extended and a new dimension would be added to the concept of endurance performance.
Nature in photography, poetry and on and in cups.
Even though I support the idea of minimising material possessions, I also recognise the power and value of second hand and antique.
I met Doreen who loves old, she does not see things as objects, she sees them as subjects, they belonged to someone and they tell a story through what they are and who used it and can continue using it. I passed her shop on a few occasions but I was usually on a mission. On this occasion I had a bit of time and entered her shop (now online and she does boot sales). In one’s wildest dreams one would not find things she actually has in the shop. I talked to her about nature and ritual, and a connection between a heart-brain and the gut. I told her I would have a flowering ball tea available at my event. A combination of Lychee, jasmine, flower of calendula and green tea to invite harmony and tranquility. In no time she knew what types of cups would reflect my ideas. In this way we weaved stories together. Drawing attention to what we drink, how we do it and with whom. To cherish such intimate moments of communion.
In Chinese, lychee (荔枝, lizhi) means ‘gift for a joyful life’.
This photo makes me smile for two reasons. 1. I am with two other talented ladies who are artists and I was also fortunate to see their work in Cork over a few years. 2. The title of my project was changed by ‘mistake’ from ‘Language of Life:Language of Humanity’ to ‘Language of Life: Language of Community’. How interesting…