“A Reflection Of” is a site-responsive piece that allows participants to engage in a ceremonial journey about the cycle of life. Using culturally symbolic, religious and personal references, individuals have an opportunity to contemplate life, death and memory in this interactive light and sound piece.
Starting near the well, a symbol of life and rebirth, one takes a handmade ceramic cup, a reference to the body which holds the human spirit. By dipping the ladle into the water and filling the cup, one fills the cup with life. They then journey uphill, referencing the arc of life and its obstacles and challenges. At the top of the hill life is complete and one crosses the bridge alone, the symbolic act of traveling between two distinct realms. At the far end of the bridge is the tall black “suspended” monolith type structure. Its size and shape suggests mystery and sacredness. One enters this sacred space alone to find another well, lit from within. This well can be seen as another vessel of life and a womb – and also a place of unknown worlds. Pouring water back into the well, into the light, completes the cycle, freeing the spirit of the body where it joins all the other souls poured into the well. The cup is then placed into the wall niches which resemble a columbarium. The well water is reflected upward where it can be viewed and admired. One is watching the essence of life high above them, continually changing and moving.
This work was commissioned by Netherlands Projects, LLC for their 2024 Future of Memory Exhibition in East Haddam, CT.