For this project, I took inspiration from a performance earth artist whose work I have studied many times: Ana Mendieta.Particularly in her "Silueta" series, Mendieta utilizes her body to perform in a non-spectacle way and to intervene on the earth. She leaves behind haunting feminine figures through the combined use of her own shape and materials found in nature.
Much like Andy Goldsworthy, her media consists of whatever is already in the environment. She does not disrupt nature during her process, and it can seamlessly continue once she has left. She leaves nothing behind that will cause harm to her chosen space of work.
Keeping with Goldsworthy's method of making work in places which he is attached to, I chose to work on the public grounds of the elementary school I attended from Kindergarten to 6th grade.
Artist Statement:
I spent the entirety of my childhood and some of the happiest days of my life attending Aldrin Elementary School. Many of the friendships I have today started there, as did my love and appreciation for art. This place represents simpler times for me; times when the biggest worry I had was deciding what type of ice cream I should get.
It's been almost ten years since I last attended Aldrin, but on some level I still feel that it's my school and I know that it will always have a special place in my heart. I did not want to harm this place with my art, but I still wanted to leave a part of myself behind.
In the summer, the school grounds are completely open to the public. Those who traverse it before the next rain will see my figure clearly outlined in various places around the perimeter of the building. The curvature of my form will indicate to them that I am a matured individual, yet they will still understand that I must have some sort of attachment to this place. I really wanted them to understand that this place is special.
It's been almost ten years since I last attended Aldrin, but on some level I still feel that it's my school and I know that it will always have a special place in my heart. I did not want to harm this place with my art, but I still wanted to leave a part of myself behind.
In the summer, the school grounds are completely open to the public. Those who traverse it before the next rain will see my figure clearly outlined in various places around the perimeter of the building. The curvature of my form will indicate to them that I am a matured individual, yet they will still understand that I must have some sort of attachment to this place. I really wanted them to understand that this place is special.
I thought your idea on leaving a mark on a place that left a mark on you was sincere. Also visually these images are well composed.
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