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25°. Blue sky. This first day of a new year is aligned with a new moon setting as the sun rises over Open Air Studio. When I make the resolution to write, to create a journal of observations to accompany the live feed transmitted by a dozen surveillance cameras to the web 24/7 (Happening Live). I’m ready for the first entry; having completed my daily regime of care for flora and fauna that comprises my morning practice since a white Padua Rooster made his home with ours (Shinnecock and I pictured at Gissa Bu, March 30 2006).
Following our Chance Encounter , I made a resolution to re-align my life and art with nature and the natural world. To re-position myself in a life lived primarily in Shinnecock Hills from one in Manhattan (both home since 1975). Technology enabled this transformation, bridging the distance between city, the global community with the east end of Long Island. Contributing factors were changes in our NYC neighborhood of Union Square: since 911 increasing police presence, tourists and commercial development. And the skyrocketing value of real estate, in part because its a safe investment from overseas conflicts, caused our Artist community’s to disperse.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at 7:36 AM
Today: As The Flock does so do I. We gaze at the sky for signs of Hawks, listen for Crows cawing. On the ground for raccoons, possums, fox, feral cats and foraging dogs. In a state of readiness for incoming weather, hurricanes, tropical rain, snow storms, and air quality.To traverse mud, ice and snow on sloping hills; withstand extreme changes in seasonal temperatures. The Flock has adapted a dynamic approach to climate change, while I’ve had to assemble a variety of weather specific attire that compels their attention, changes in my appearance that amuses them.
Creation is our daily focus: The Hen’s eggs, other then those set on during breeding season, are gathered. As are Molted feathers: which I place in glass jars as a virtual living portrait of the Flock’s composition. I photograph their drawings scratched in dirt. Produce site specific installations and actions to answer the needs of endangered Heritage Chickens and Wild Birds for habitat amidst development. Shelter is offered in Coop LeWitt North, South and East. Other artworks are exhibited offsite, such as Genius Loci.
As the sun sets, I’m counting each Flock member returning to roost. Each name called as our eyes meet, exchanging signals and information about the day. How important each is to the group, to me.
Surviving, day or night, is not taken for granted. Here, unlike the city, it’s an hour by hour, day by day timeline. An existence which feels familiar to my personal history: since I suffered rape and physical abuse have remained on constant watch. We look out for one another: Roosters announce visitors as well as intruders.
So it goes. The earth revolves as an embryo makes its way through the Hen’s oviduct in a day. The world spins as the many thoughts and memories that I have in mind to express on these pages. Beginning now.
The length of day 9h 17m.
open air studio Shinnecock Hills