A Gallery of Altercated Objects (2006)

To complement the more contemplative mood of Deep Earth Dome, for the Joy Street Open Studios 2006 I assembled a collection of constructions and altered objects that hint at a world of collisions and slightly off-kilter interactions: a wall infested with venomous snakes that, upon closer inspection, turn out to be harmless choo-choo train shoelaces; a vacuum cleaner whose body (and shoes) emit uncharacteristic yet strangely familiar sounds; precious laboratory specimens of captured typographical errors; and tender messages tenuously preserved on shriveled rose petals.

I was fascinated to watch and listen to vistors’ responses to this installation. Of those who bravely crossed the threshold into this space (despite the “Caution: Art” warning tape), some would study each piece with a solemn and perplexed focus. Others would pause, erupt in laughter, and call their companions over to share the fun. Still others would hover uneasily in the center of the room, not quite sure just what to do with these pieces.

Art that challenges one to look at oneself, to catch oneself by surprise in a moment of confusion, revelation, or joy — now that excites me. Perhaps next time I’ll just line the walls, floor, and ceiling with mirrors: for doesn’t art serve us best when it acts as mirror to the psyche and the heart?