Participants will work together to design the “tree metaphors”. The “upside down” trees are designed to reflect the memories of place from the participants attending the gatherings. Participants are self identified as having a chronic condition that limits their ability to sustain mobility for long periods of time. Participants’ feet will also be cast with plaster and then each person will design the floor piece that their feet will be placed upon. The “ground” substrate is a 12” diameter wood panel.
There is a blogging and book component to the project, so participants will be asked to write about their experiences, similar to what was documented in The Honeycomb Project and NV AWE: Tiny Treasures.
Example “Gathering” Schedule for 3 days:
Day 1 - Morning: Inspiration and research through walking, talking, taking photos, writing and drawing in sketchbooks - focusing on the trees. Afternoon: Collaboratively draw the the upside down “tree” designs for carving.
Day 2 - Learn woodcut techniques and collaboratively start to carve on the wood panels.
Day 3 - Morning: Casting feet and continue carving. Afternoon: Begin to design and create the base for your feet (this may be taken home and finished and then shipped to Candace.)
If you would like to be involved in this project or would just like to know more about it, please sign up for email updates.
When: This 3-Day Workshop series meets on Monday, April 13, 20, and 27 from 10 am - 3:00 pm
Place: Travelers' Rest State Park
Audience: This workshop is suitable for ages 18+
What to bring: Attendees are welcome to bring their own designs, ideas, and sketchbooks. No preparation is necessary.
Cost: The workshop is free, but a suggested donation is appreciated!
Registration: Registration is required and is limited to 8 people. Registration will close 24 hours before the workshop begins.
WE KNOW THIS FOREST, led by Open AIR Spring artist-in-residence and educator Candace Garlock, is a community-based art project that uses the metaphor of a dense, shifting forest to explore the nonlinear, often unpredictable experience of living with chronic conditions and disability. It creates space for participants to share stories, images, and reflections that honor both the difficulty and resilience found in these lived landscapes while exploring shared ecological memory and identity through collaborative woodcut and casting workshops. While the project invites people with chronic conditions and disabilities to engage, participation does not require disclosing any diagnosis, disability status, or health information unless they personally choose to share it.
This workshop meets on 3 consecutive Mondays, and we hope to work with a consistent group of 5-8 individuals.