It is beyond my nature to accept the imminent death of our species. This installation is an invitation to think and talk about our collective maelstrom. The major question is what to hold onto — is there something rooted? James Baldwin’s simple quote settles me and I think it points a way. James Baldwin’s simple quote settles me and I think points a way:
“The moment we cease to hold each other, the moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.”
“The Maelstrom” is an ongoing work, a vessel for pondering our human state. It was first configured as a gallery-wide installation for The Oxbow Galley (MA), at 35 ft D by 17 ft W by 10 ft H. The center is a large whirlpool made from painted papier-mache which draws the viewer dramatically into the chaos. People (fired and painted clay, approx. 8 in.) and their things are disappearing into the vortex. The whirlpool is surrounded by crashing waves, tumbling forth from the gallery walls, enveloping the small boats, the people and the viewers.
The piece is an allegory for our times. How do we respond to our shipwreck? With wails or laughter? With work or play? With song or lamentation? By helping or hindering? Or do we just hold on? The juxtaplay between the seething scene and the small, imperiled figures brings home the urgency of our situation.
