The Ode Series
The bellow images feature the first in a series of installations titled Odes, constructed in wild and urban landscapes. The works are made of woven branches and vines from their surroundings and filled with material that will compost as the installation ages. Each installation will pay homage to its site through material choices and improve soil health.
This series calls attention to the degradation of the environment while offering solutions and education through its construction. The Odes' conical shape relates to ancient dwellings found across the globe, while the structures' woven exterior and nurturing interior references the undervalued work of women in society. This series is influenced by the artistic practices and writings of women Land Artists such as Agnes Denes, Maren Hassinger, and Ana Mendieta.
An Ode to the landscape of West Texas and my grandparents, who in retirement made money by selling grapevine wreaths, baskets, dried flowers, and juniper furniture to florists and gift shops across Texas.
This particular Ode is located outside of Sweetwater, Texas and is made of Juniper, Mesquite, Grapevine, Trumpet vine, and Sunflowers. The work is filled is leaves, cow manure, garden waste, and coffee grounds from a Starbucks café.
This is also an Ode to makers like father-in-law, Tommy Rosson who worked so hard to help make my vision a reality.
The work took a total of two days to construct with a total of three people working on the project. A big thank you to my in-laws for their help!
