Rattle/Cry

Silver City, New Mexico, with funding from New Mexico Arts, commissioned a Temporary Environmental Work (TEW) to be installed at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center over the city’s Weekend at the Galleries, October 5-8, 2007.

Rattle/Cry is a little twist on the idea of a “battle cry.” These rattles subtly call down peace – both environmentally and politically – as they embrace forms, color and sounds that one might find in nature. The piece incorporates weather (wind, rain, sun), and it is almost completely biodegradable. The Silver City installation was temporary, but if left outdoors, the pods would break down over time, allowing the sunflower seeds contained within to scatter.

The six strands were made of nearly 1,000 papier-mache pods, handmade with Japanese paper, filled with sunflower seeds, and dipped with a thin coat of shellac. The pods were strung onto fishing line, and the strands ranged from six to nine feet in height. They were tied into trees at the top, and at the base with garden stakes.

While creating this work, I was thinking about the Chinese goddess of compassion and mercy, Kuan Yin, “she who hears the cries of the world.” I was also influenced by the sight of rattle snakes, while on a camping trip specifically to research this project. Am I paying attention to what is going on around me? Are you? Each shake of these rattles is a quiet call to peace.

Several people and organizations made this project possible, and my gratitude goes out to:
New Mexico Arts, Blue Dome Gallery, Deb Harrington, Women in Black, Kat Bride, Lauren Gracey, and Jeanene Hafen.

The skilled assistance of two dedicated helpers, Carol Gregory and David Ondrik, were absolutely crucial. The fact is, Rattle/Cry wouldn’t exist without these two.

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU

This project was made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Rattle/Cry Installation

Rattle/Cry Installation Detail