Occupying Memory
2014-15Series of sculptures and woven baskets within an installation at the Mojave National Preserve Visitor Center in Kelso, CA
Made with support and guidance from The Cemehuevi Reservation, The Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum, Leroy Fisher, Sugie Fisher, Weeji Claw, Abby Eddy, Matt Leivas, and Anna Ochoa.
Created during a National Park Artist Residency, this installation and collection of sculptures explored basket weaving techniques and life in the high desert of southern California. Through material experimentation and sensory experiences, I explored the ways that tactile practices link people and places together, and the ways that meaning and usage of materials change over time. The installation was constructed from garbage and other discarded items found along desert roads outside of Kelso, California. Several textile works were part of the exhibition, each of which explored different parts of the surrounding environment.
I created three baskets for the purposes of learning coiling and twining: two universally-practiced basketry techniques that were some of humankind’s first explorations of weaving. My research on-site consisted of long solo hikes and visits to the Chemehuevi and Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservations, where basketmaking communities still practice traditional techniques. A portion of this project continues, and documentation of currently-practicing Chemehuevi basket makers is in process.
Watermelon grown in the Chemehuevi Reservation's farm. This community resides the shores of Lake Havasu, which is a man-made lake on the Colorado River that was created by flooding a large portion of ancestral Chemehuevi land, an action that forced families and basket makers to flee to other towns. Only recently has this displacement been federally recognized by the U.S. government. Information about this Tribal history was posted as part of the installation.
Desert willow growing outside the home of Sugie Fisher in Parker, Arizona. There, I observed baskets made by multi-generational basket makers with whom I am continuing to do research. An extension of this project is in process, and other basketry-related research imagery will be released upon its completion, in agreement with the Tribal government.