C A L L F O R D O N A T I O N S
Would you like to be a part of a public art installation?
Do you find yourself repeatedly collecting things just because you like them... not necessarily because you need them?
How many books or magazines are by your bed in queue to be read some day?
Or how many multiples of clothing or pairs of shoes are in your closet?
Is there yarn, fabric, beads, tools stored in waiting for their projects?
Cell phone cases, game cards, electrical devices, neckties, pocketbooks... you get the idea.
As a recipient of the 2012 Somerville Arts Council Fellowship Award, I will be creating a sculpture called stash that will be installed in the trees of Union Square, Somerville. Several large structures will be hidden in the branches in September while the trees are still in full foliage - and then exposed in October when the leaves drop.
The idea is to question the need to collect things; to ask why it is sometimes kept secret; and to wonder about what motivates us. Creating an opportunity to look at our selves through our things - and presenting an unexpected encounter, for anyone walking by, to question for themselves.
I'm asking family, friends and colleagues to think about this. If you identify with the concept and want to be a part of this project, please donate item(s) from your own collecting. It can be shoes, yarn, books, clothing, ear rings, housewares, unfinished craft projects etc. - you know what you have to offer.
Please don't be limited by my narrow range of suggestions, all objects are very important and the more randomness the better - anything goes. These donated items will be used in the construction of the packages that will be installed in the trees. Please note that the objects will not be returned.
Donations are needed soon, ideally by the end of July (or first week in August) since I will be building the structures during the month of August and installing in September.
I will pick up, or you can drop off at my studio, or leave at Joy St. just inside the yellow door by the mailboxes with my name on it (86 Joy Street, studio #4).
If you are interested in being a part of stash... I thank you in advance. I am grateful for the support I've received over the years and feel it a privilege to belong to such a generous community. Naturally, there will be a party around this event... I'll keep you posted!
This program is supported in part by the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
oh my dear...I am in the process of moving, I wish I had known about this last week! I just got rid of several car loads of "stash." I also destroyed almost 2,000 of my photographs. Crazy. I am giving the clothes to the homeless shelter, books to the library, but I will keep my eyes open for other stuff for you. I am sure there will be something!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your interest in this project… I'm so looking forward to seeing what these packages are going to look like and what 'stuff' I'll have to work with.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to review a little about what to donate. To make this meaningful and personal I'd like you to think about what things you acquire sort as an obsession or habit. For instance, I can't have enough glass jars for terrariums (too fragile for this project), or subscriptions to magazines and my worst is the insatiable desire for fiber… it's like candy!
Please don't feel like you have to clean out your attic for me, just a few select items that best identify with you.
I will be photographing a catalog with dates, type of donation and location (no names) for a media presentation of some kind to be done later.
Please contact me if this needs more explanation.
Jodi,
ReplyDeleteI love your work and am very iterested in contributing to your new project, "Stash"!
I am a Greek American installation artist. The maternal side of my family settled in Somerville, MA on Merriam St. near Union Square. I spent much of my childhood there. I would love to contribute photographs and objects from my collecting which relate to this in some fashion.It would be a wonderful tribute to them, as they have all passed away.
Annee Spileos Scott
Thanks Annee... These are the sorts of great connections that I love. You can't ever plan for them and they add so much meaning to the project when they happen. Thanks! Contact me when you're ready with materials.
ReplyDeletegreat idea Jodi! Now..can I part with any of my clutter...it is obsessive. I have been talking with Carol McMahon about this a lot lately. We are utilizing our clutter in our March show. But maybe we can encourage each other to let some of it go. God knows we need to!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the tension that's happening... it can be difficult to part with our things! Thanks for your interest.. I'll be in your neighborhood next Thursday.. let me know if you want me to swing by and pick anything up.
ReplyDelete