Since August 2021, I have worked with teams of scientists, indigenous tribes, and community members on the Maine Mining Core Sample Project. I was invited by Smithereen Farm in Pembroke, Maine to create large scale artworks using 20,000 rock core samples to support their Maine Clean Water campaign. Close to Canada, the entire town depends upon clean water for their economy, health, & environment. I’m working with scientists, researchers, community members & indigenous tribes through the year.
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A mining company is attempting to reopen the mine in the town, where these original samples came from. Mines obliterate the water supply & surrounding environment, so the project is geared toward environmental justice. After researching mines and geology speaking with scientists from the Urban Soils Institute, learning from meetings with Passamaquoddy tribe members and exploring land and community on site in Pembroke, I am building a model for exploratory artworks that advocate for environmental justice.
The exhibition will have two parts: an outdoor, community based installation in the heart of Pembroke and a traveling gallery component.
Exhibitions include:
-Maryland Institute College of Art (June 2022) outdoor labyrinth
-Alchemy of Art Gallery (June 2022)
-Hamiltonian Gallery (DC) (December 2022)
-University of Southern Maine (January 2023)
Outdoor installation:
-Labyrinth at te main quad at MICA open to the community
-Labyrinth at the main Pembroke triangle open to the community
Northeastern Indigenous tribes consider labyrinths to be a means for humanity to connect to a source: when someone walks through, it's a gesture of gratitude to the earth. Since the rocks were taken from the land by the mining company, returning the rock to the soil would signify healing. At the center of town, this interactive installation would be at the heart of the community and pull people to the venues at the town center.