Trees, which add a ring every year, are a way to visualize time. Swings also offer a physical representation of the passage of time, which I find fascinating.
For my recent exhibition with Ken Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time & Technology at di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art in San Francisco, I wanted to take on space, time and motion. A pendulum, in swing form, would let me explore all three.
Pendulums let scientists understand gravity, study movement, and measure time. They helped Isaac Newton develop his laws of motion. (I love this look on Newton’s face.)
My pendulum would grapple with philosophical ideas. I wanted each swing seat to be made from a tree ring, and with my pyrography tool, I would burn different phases of time onto its surface. Multiple visualizations of time all in one gestalt experience.
I made a lot of sketches.
I spent a lot of time researching how to make a swing. I looked for the right wood in many salvage lumber yards.
I finally fell in love with some salvaged bay wood. The rings were oblong, with space for two.
Spending time with the shape of the two tree rings at my studio, it finally hit me what needed to be on each section. The swing representing the past would read “the world before you were here,” and “you were here.” The present swing would say “you are here.” The future swing would go from “you will be here” to “the world when you are no longer here.”
I originally wanted to call them “space/time continuum swings,” conveying how space and time are woven together into one thing, and mass and motion can bend and stretch it. Ken called them “time-based participatory pendulums.” That made me laugh, so yes, that’s what they would be called. He also suggested Gravitas as the main title, referencing both gravity, and the gravitas of the subjects I was exploring. That felt just right.
After many consultations, designs, and re-designs, my sketch was becoming an actual physical thing in the world that people could experience in a museum.
I had originally thought that I was going to invite people at the exhibition opening to think deeply about which swing they wanted to experience: the past, the present or the future. I asked my friend who leads rituals, Tamara Edwards, to be the pendulum conductor at the opening, and guide people to decide, very intentionally, which swing to ride. We found the perfect conductor hat for her at Vintage Ruse thrift store.
I had imagined Gravitas as an introspective experience with dramatic lighting and a philosophical experience for participants.
But at the opening something totally different happened. Everyone got on the swings! And no one followed the conductor’s lead. They took their own lead. Everyone just embraced the joy of swinging together in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
We succumbed to the muscle memory we all have of “pumping our legs,” of flying through the air, the joy of it all.
We talked, we laughed. I asked them who they were when they were young, who they are today, and how they want to be remembered. They answered as we flew through the air.
The conversations became something much more exciting than what I had originally imagined. Instead of an introspective contemplative solo ride, it was absolutely a joyous joint conversational experience!
I am now thinking about Gravitas as an immersive art experience/performance that I do with visitors. At the next event, March 7th 2–5pm, I will host what I am calling “moving conversations” creating an experience called Swing State on the swing set: you and I will swing, and I will ask you these questions.
The March 7 event is part of an Afternoon of Feminist Art & Action on the Eve of International Women’s day. This event builds on events I have done around the country with Dendrofemonology: A Feminist History Tree Ring and now back in my hometown (with an incredible line up of speakers and partners that will be announced shortly).
You can RSVP here.
I’ll also doing these “moving conversations” during our other events too listed below and I may even take it to other locations . . . perhaps a swing state, who knows where this one will lead?
I cannot wait to swing in space/time with you!
Recent reviews and Q&As with Ken and me about Ancient Wisdom:
“Grounded and Rooted” Art Review in Roborant by Jan Wurm
“Trees, Technology and Togetherness: in Marin Magazine March issue by Lotus Abrams
“Must-See Museum Shows in SF” in Artnet by Sarah Cascone
“Reenvision time in ‘Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology’ at di Rosa SF” in 7x7 by Shoshi Parks
Upcoming Public Programs for Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time & Technology
Sat March 7, 2-5 p.m. An Afternoon of Feminist Art + Action with Dendrofemonology: A Feminist History Tree Ring and leaders and orgs working to protect and expand women’s rights on the eve of International Women’s Day: Sat March 7, 2-5 p.m. RSVP
Thurs March 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Art, Artifice, & AI: Ken in Conversation with Whitney Museum Curator Christiane Paul: Tickets
Thursday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m Ecology Now: Krista Tippett in Conversation with Me & Ken: In partnership with The Long Now Foundation. Tickets
Tuesday, March 31, 1:00-3:00 p.m. PT Online Artist Tour: For those of you out of town, join us for an online Zoom tour of Ancient Wisdom. RSVP
Sat, April 11, 6-9 p.m Closing Night Celebration & Dance Party Benefit for di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. di Rosa has the foremost collection of Northern California art and has been incredible to work with on Ancient Wisdom. Join us Sat, April 11, 6-9 p.m for the dance party to benefit their work! $25 at the door. We’ll have an great live band, The Hot Einsteins. RSVP
If you want to become a member to support di Rosa and their mission of of collecting and exhibiting Northern California art, please do so here.
Thank you di Rosa, and our sponsors, Eve’s Ark, & Women Connect4Good!
Beautiful work
What a great post. I love this idea - the mashup of humor and intellectual yearning works well.