The Gathering Project is a site-specific temporary installation proposal to create functional and sculptural ‘bio-anchor’ forms (sculptural forms that aid in ecology) that are an homage to human cultures, flora & fauna of past, and is a direct reclamation of Indigenous space. The NW Portland Park installation aimed to positively support and engage the community in the interconnectedness of all beings. The project details the process of an independent artist going through the public art process within the City of Portland. The full project exists as a ‘living thesis’ and available as a tool and archive of the entire project. The initial fundraiser was held at the wonderful, Stelo Arts, with much success! Support The Gathering Project here - Venmo. The works featured are: The Teepee, The Bench, The Table, and The Circle.

⇺Outside of Art⍈

A Manifesto for reclaiming artistic integrity/space

⇹ The Gathering Project, is a direct reclamation of a once Indigenous space. Reclaiming what public art is, can be, who designs it, who decides its existence, and embeds Indigenous presence within the process. The Time to Rise has been Engaged. The Teepee.

↭My bio-anchors go beyond aesthetic impact & design - into an ecological aid. These bio-anchors are creating new contemporary forms of knowledge within the art realm and are ‘forward leaning’ outside the colonial notion of ‘Indigenous Art’.The interconnectedness of humans within Nature is the foundation of The Gathering Project and the concept for my bio-anchors. The Bench.

⇱Freedom of artistic expression is a gift to the world for and with every culture in human existence. The Gathering Project as an artistic research process manifests the power to profoundly use voice and action in art and is a call to “reach deep within you to pull the powerful spirit energy forward” for it is our responsibility to evolve art and social consciousness as artists. The Table.

↻Trust your instinct and heed your inner voice. Self reliance is key to artistic survival, in a country that has yet to financially and socially support artistic research & ‘the artist’. The fork in the road of doing public art materially or continuing research no longer should be divided - bridging the gap between these processes which mirror the connection of humans to nature. As both scenarios are ever evolving and changing the landscape of our existence. In continuous reciprocity we circle in these truths. The Circle.