I’m posting some photos from the Orchard Oculus installation at Carkeek Park last week end. It was a very sweet day: the morning overcast turned to beautiful sunshine by the end of the day, and we had a steady stream of friends, family, and casual wanderers-by who joined us for cider and conversation as the 25 mobiles hanging from the trees floated and twirled above us. I was proud to be part (if not quite officially so) of the opening of Heaven and Earth, an outdoor exhibit at the park I have always admired. David Francis, who conceived of and continues to lead the exhibit, came to take a look at the Oculus and was very supportive and complimentary.
But the best part of the experience was the opportunity to spend an entire day, from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, in the beautiful orchard among its amazing powerful trees. As we were hanging the mobiles in the morning I realized that it didn’t really matter if anyone saw them – just making and hanging them was my act of devotion and prayer to the trees, and that’s what really counts.
I’ve done a lot of music performance but this was my first public display of visual artwork. The rhythm of the experience was very satisfying: something to notice as I continue to walk my path.
Thank you, beautiful Piper Orchard trees, for inspiring me to this work last spring! Thank you, wonderful Victoria, for mentoring and supporting me and helping me get out of my visual-art-creation messes, physical and emotional, time and time again! Thank you David Francis and the Friends of Piper Orchard for being so wonderfully supportive!
The piece was up for just one day, but it was a great day. And someday I hope to see the Oculus fly again…
