Keep Asking Questions
written words & other grand mysteries
An update on the land art installation. I’ve made a lot progress and everything is in a really great spot. The overall shape of the installation has been finalized and cut. The large branch is set in its new home. I have cut the internal shapes, added the edging, planted the plants, moved the stones and put them all into place. Now time to focus on the supportive pieces. A couple of fiber art banners (maybe, maybe not?), a second smaller installation/large floral arrangement, and a zine! So exciting.
It all feels really good except for one small detail: what to call the whole thing. I cannot seem to land on a title for it. It’s right there, in my mind’s eye, ready to grab - but just out of reach. I have the theme and guiding principles. I have my shapes and other visual language reference points. I have my epic conceptual download,which consists of all the thoughts that often lead me through writing that is part traipsing deep into the stream of consciousness, and part extensive list/slightly scary manifesto-like note. This is bothering me because I like to have a working title that drives how I am going to tell and write my project’s story. It also, in theory, keeps me contained and less likely to become too ambitious.
I will muddle through and try to make sense of it all, just keep asking questions. Gonna lean into those questions and try to write myself out of them. Here’s a small list distilled from that big download to work from:
How is the ephemeral nature and eventual breakdown of the piece spoken about?
How will the seasonal aspect of the plantings affect the piece? Especially when the plants are dormant.
How are these both tied to time and place?
Will I speak to the layers – all the layering, figuratively and practically.
How will I approach the translation of visual images and sounds, what medium? The zine? Video essays? All of it?
This is where I’m at. Many things to think about. Many things to do. All of which I am so grateful for.
