Words from plaque at the exhibit at UCSD​

This is the documentation of a collaboration of two past students working symbiotically within different structures. I believe these worlds wouldn’t have met so easily if not for the particular style of education at UCSD. Lisa simply would not have understood the concept and Nina would have to redesign something lesser for Mission Cove, a senior housing complex for Oceanside.


‘The Device for Sound Making’ is included in this exhibit because I got excited about the connection, but also because the sound produced is of the earth. The viewer cranks the handle. I can’t help but think of grinding grains, but the physicality of the action is a strong connector with the viewer, now participant. They have chosen to give their body to this perhaps unknown activity. It is my hope that residents will go to the garden, not only for the organic garden gifts but also to do yoga, tai chi or meditate as well. This device can act as the start of a session. Replacing a traditional gong with the sound of rocks striking together. A subtle sound, but one we are familiar with. One that exemplifies movement, both human and natural. Its these kind of connections with nature that I am after. For me its about the visceral; the one-to-one-to-one approach. Plaques are great educators, I use them. I also want my viewers to become performers interacting with my pieces.


There is another sculpture commissioned for the garden, which is a 6 foot tall metal form with a place for encouraged growth (I’m thinking beans) and a top fringe inspiration taken from the dance costumes for the local San Luis Rey tribe. The tribe would prefer we not acknowledge that some open parts of the land in this project were once important to them. So don’t talk about that please. All the colors used are from plant blossoms. A viewer may or may not know it. Hopefully they will be drawn to it like a bee.


This is not my first environmentally motivated art: 70th Street Trolley in La Mesa, The Colfax Avenue Bridge in Studio City are two large, very diverse works.