LEAP (a program of local nonprofit Localogy), brings innovative artists to the Rio Grande del Norte national monument each autumn through its cornerstone event, NeoRio, transforming the Montoso Campground at Wild Rivers Recreation Area with surprising, site-specific art amid the piñon and cliffs. 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers and Trails Acts, and was celebrated at NeoRio along with National Public Lands Day. Each year a different theme is explored; this year’s was Roots.
I was selected as one of the contributing artists.
The DNA of Root Words – Project description
Roots, root words, and human-created sounds that have persisted across culture and time fascinate me. The 15 most archaic and stable words across world languages have been distilled, according to one Soviet researcher, to these word-concepts: I/me; two/pair; thou/thee/you; who/what; tongue; name; eye; heart; tooth; no/ not; fingernail/toenail; louse; tear (as in weeping); water, and dead. My project is an interactive expressive typography installation, using a perfect tree on the site, natural materials, printed materials, light, and sound. It had its daytime and nighttime personas.
