




artists statement
Proposal for Upcoming Performance:
This piece has to do with time. I envision it as a program lasting at least one week. Though I would be willing to consider a longer period. Or a one week period followed by some weekend "performances." Indeed, at some point I endeavor to attempt this for an entire year.
The performance takes place at a small workstation consisting of a simple table and a comfortable chair. A random number generator displays a new number every 1-1.5 seconds. There is a notebook or two, and a pen or two, upon the table.
When everything is set, I “clock in” at 9am and begin to copy numbers from the random number generator into the notebook. I take two 10 minute breaks (10:55-11:05am and 3:25-3:35pm) and a 30 minute “unpaid lunch break” (1-1:30pm) per California labor laws. My “day” ends at 5:30. This would be performed Monday through Friday; to comprise a "40 hour work week." The resulting notebook/s contain the result of a particular kind of labor, and represent a specific use of time. The framework, within which the task is carried out, is easily recognized as the minimum of what is reasonably demanded of productive citizens in our society. The work can be viewed during “business hours.”



In addition, I imagine at least one 24 hour performance and possibly one "endurance" performance (as long as possible). These longer performances could have viewing windows aligned with more traditional gallery events. Friday or Saturday evenings. Obviously, I don't expect anyone to stand around for hours while I scratch numbers into a notebook. There would be an opportunity for the audience to participate with simple writing supplies offered at the door and the random numbers made available to all. An “open house” people coming and going, maybe copying numbers for a few minutes or taking a moment to do or not do something with their time. A space will be created in which we “do” time together. If a framework is adopted in which we “do” time we will be making art together.
Inspired by Tehching Hsieh, Joseph Beuys and others; I am excited to “do” time within this framework. Marshall McLuhan reminded us that the Balinese “have no art. [They] do everything as well as possible.” How will this “art/work” affect my mental and physical selves? I will actively explore the ideas of “form-of-life”(Agamben), monotony, absorption, meaning making, labor, life as art.
I've been a poet all my life and an actor for most of it. Lately words fail. This performance moves beyond language. An expression of one encounter with the environment we all live in.
Ideally, this would take place ASAP. Due to the low overhead and flexibility of the piece, it could slot in anywhere you had a couple-three weeks available. It doesn't require much space and could be held in an annex or an alcove; in the corner of a foyer or lobby.
It could even run concurrently with another exhibit. Last minute openings are fine.

“The highest possible idea of the theatre is one that reconciles us philosophically with Becoming.”
-Artaud

artists statement

AVGVRY PIECE is a work of music, movement and sound designed to involve all participants at its exhibition. An embodied artistic activity designed to create an avian environment. An emcee recites a simple text, a simple song is introduced, a simple dance (ADA inclusive) is transmitted to any unfamiliar. All in attendance are invited to use the program to transform themselves into birds through the repetition of the dance and the issuing of “unbearably piercing” sounds across a period of time (predetermined or unknown). We surmount our solitude and find our “selves.”
Through uncertainty, surprise and challenge we explore freedom, mystery and the heroic.
There is an interval between not being and becoming. A place we discover together in a psychophysical clash.
Most in attendance learn and repeat the dance for a period of time (predetermined or unknown) and at any point a congregation may appear. In the spirit of John Cage, non participants cannot help but allow their stubborn refusal to be part of the dance. And if no one should participate? Or all in attendance cease to dance? The birds have flown.
