Tarantula's profile
Tarantula Hill (aka T Hill) is a collective based around the dyad of carly ptak and Twig Harper. Together they have created a life which brings Art into every aspect of their existence. T Hill operates as both a physical space and a conceptual space for the many projects of Harper and ptak. These projects include a venue and gallery space, a band, Nautical Almanac, a label, HereSee, a sensory deprivation tank, a recording studio, individual studio space, and much more.
The building Tarantula Hill was purchased by ptak and Harper in 2001. With the help of friends and family they renovated the building using their artistic practices as a platform for innovation. The 5500 sq. foot space includes mosaics, bottle windows, unique woodworking, stained glass and much more. Within T. Hill there is a room dedicated to housing residential artists for 1-8 months for free. There is also a free lending library which is open every Sunday from 12-4, the T. Hill Esoteric Library. There are beehives on the roof, many fermentation projects and a worm composting set-up. T. Hill operates with a focus of building community and has inspired many people and artists over the years.
Within the past year the building has undergone significant changes as the conceptual framework has also evolved. In recent years Harper and ptak have changed the focus of their artistic practices from outward processes (i.e. performance, gallery shows) to inward processes such as developing unique meditation practices and delving into psychospiritual research. This shift in focus has been reflected in the space by the addition of a sensory deprivation tank. The area of the building which was once used as a venue and gallery has been transformed into an area dedicated to inner journeying. They offer this space to the public at large as a float tank business (befreefloating.com), and they also do more experimental sessions with friends and fellow artists at no cost. The sensory deprivation tank is a place that is free of all stimulus and allows the user to relax completely. Within this space one can focus on ideas and inspiration or embrace the imagination and travel to other dimensions. The techniques learned from this internal exploration are reflected through the external projects of ptak and Harper. The Idea Machine, which was performed as a 2 week installation at Clocktower Gallery in Manhattan is one such project. (http://artonair.org/residency/carly-ptak-idea-machine )
Ptak and Harper also embrace this sense of exploration within their musical and art project Nautical Almanac. Nautical Almanac has had an open membership since it's inception in 1993 and has included at least 25 other artists as members. Nautical Almanac has inspired many people throughout the years with their use of homemade instruments, unconventional lighting techniques and consciousness altering performance. Each performance is a unique experience which incorporates the space and the audience into the dynamic of the event. Through the hypnotic reverie created by the sights, sounds, and smells the group enters into a special space focused on the “now”.
HereSee was created in 2001. HereSee specializes in releasing small run handmade LPs, CD's and videos from emerging artists including Ptak and Harper. Within the mantle of HereSee Harper has been producing and innovating with a 1950's record cutting lathe to cut records on nonstandard materials; cds, laser discs, plastic lids, scrap plastic, old records, etc.
Tarantula Hill also maintains a recording studio. Harper + Ptak record and produce artists / bands for other labels. Artists are welcome to live at Tarantula Hill as an immersive experience while they are recording. Artists who have recorded at T. Hill include:Wolf Eyes 2003, Little Howlin' Wolf 2006, Clairaudience Fellowship (Daniel Higgs + Twig Harper) 2010, Richard Pinhas 2011, Ed Schrader 2011.
During the 12 years that Tarantula Hill has existed there have been many changes, including both frustrations and setbacks. In 2007 there was a fire on the first floor which damaged the entire building. At that time ptak and Harper had to choose whether to recommit to the overall experience or walk away from it. Both chose to re-invest in the dream that T Hill encapsulates. Since that time there has been a wonderful focus which continues to shift and transform as each day goes by.
The building Tarantula Hill was purchased by ptak and Harper in 2001. With the help of friends and family they renovated the building using their artistic practices as a platform for innovation. The 5500 sq. foot space includes mosaics, bottle windows, unique woodworking, stained glass and much more. Within T. Hill there is a room dedicated to housing residential artists for 1-8 months for free. There is also a free lending library which is open every Sunday from 12-4, the T. Hill Esoteric Library. There are beehives on the roof, many fermentation projects and a worm composting set-up. T. Hill operates with a focus of building community and has inspired many people and artists over the years.
Within the past year the building has undergone significant changes as the conceptual framework has also evolved. In recent years Harper and ptak have changed the focus of their artistic practices from outward processes (i.e. performance, gallery shows) to inward processes such as developing unique meditation practices and delving into psychospiritual research. This shift in focus has been reflected in the space by the addition of a sensory deprivation tank. The area of the building which was once used as a venue and gallery has been transformed into an area dedicated to inner journeying. They offer this space to the public at large as a float tank business (befreefloating.com), and they also do more experimental sessions with friends and fellow artists at no cost. The sensory deprivation tank is a place that is free of all stimulus and allows the user to relax completely. Within this space one can focus on ideas and inspiration or embrace the imagination and travel to other dimensions. The techniques learned from this internal exploration are reflected through the external projects of ptak and Harper. The Idea Machine, which was performed as a 2 week installation at Clocktower Gallery in Manhattan is one such project. (http://artonair.org/residency/carly-ptak-idea-machine )
Ptak and Harper also embrace this sense of exploration within their musical and art project Nautical Almanac. Nautical Almanac has had an open membership since it's inception in 1993 and has included at least 25 other artists as members. Nautical Almanac has inspired many people throughout the years with their use of homemade instruments, unconventional lighting techniques and consciousness altering performance. Each performance is a unique experience which incorporates the space and the audience into the dynamic of the event. Through the hypnotic reverie created by the sights, sounds, and smells the group enters into a special space focused on the “now”.
HereSee was created in 2001. HereSee specializes in releasing small run handmade LPs, CD's and videos from emerging artists including Ptak and Harper. Within the mantle of HereSee Harper has been producing and innovating with a 1950's record cutting lathe to cut records on nonstandard materials; cds, laser discs, plastic lids, scrap plastic, old records, etc.
Tarantula Hill also maintains a recording studio. Harper + Ptak record and produce artists / bands for other labels. Artists are welcome to live at Tarantula Hill as an immersive experience while they are recording. Artists who have recorded at T. Hill include:Wolf Eyes 2003, Little Howlin' Wolf 2006, Clairaudience Fellowship (Daniel Higgs + Twig Harper) 2010, Richard Pinhas 2011, Ed Schrader 2011.
During the 12 years that Tarantula Hill has existed there have been many changes, including both frustrations and setbacks. In 2007 there was a fire on the first floor which damaged the entire building. At that time ptak and Harper had to choose whether to recommit to the overall experience or walk away from it. Both chose to re-invest in the dream that T Hill encapsulates. Since that time there has been a wonderful focus which continues to shift and transform as each day goes by.
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