Almost Gone
This project brings together ideas about the ephemeral nature of art and the changing nature of our environment. I made drawings that represent endangered plant and animal species by using yarn that I glued onto concrete, wood and other surfaces in urban areas. For some, the simple lines made from white yarn evoke skeletal remains. This delicate material gives a tangible texture to the subject while creating a semi-permanent art piece. The evolution of each image culminates in a color photograph that documents the subject, process and location. The urban and hard surfaces as the backgrounds for the drawings are a metaphor for the conflict between urbanization and preservation of wildlife.
While the photographs can hang on a gallery wall, people walking throughout the city might also stumble upon the original drawings; they surprise and confront passers-by in a way that is similar to graffiti. My hope is that these images invite dialogue while simultaneously injecting an element of beauty onto the harsh surfaces of the "concrete jungle" that many of us call home. Dates: 2001-2004
C prints from Hasselblad negatives, 18x18"
Index page image: Arizona Bell's Vireo