The
plants, worms and bacteria living in this sculpture rely
on each other and on human participation. They are fed entirely
on waste generated by us: coffee grounds and veggie scraps
from our kitchen, old newspapers and shredded junk mail from
our offices, and carbon dioxide from our breath. They are
watered by our rocking leisurely in the chair, which mechanically
pushes water up to the top of the ecosystem and causes it
to circulate through each part; delivering to the plant roots
aerated water that has been fertilized by the worms living
in the stream.
Partnering
with living ecosystems benefits humans too, as the plants
provide cleansed air and the worms provide local waste disposal
services. Worm composting keeps waste out of the landfill,
saving us from generating more greenhouse gas. Methane is
a greenhouse gas that is produced by rotting food, even inside
of traditional, outdoor compost bins. Worm composting does
not produce methane and it does not create odors. Breathe
easy, and invite them into your home.
This
project premiered at
the Urban Art Space in Columbus, Ohio. The exhibition, "Inosculation" from
Oct 9, 2012 - Nov 17, 2012 included the following Artists: Malcolm
Cochran, Alan Crockett, Ann Hamilton, Rebecca Harvey, Scot
Kaplan, Laura Lisbon, Jessica Mallios, Shane Mecklenburger,
Tony Mendoza, Michael Mercil, Ken Rinaldo, Todd Slaughter,
Sergio Soave, John Thrasher, Amy Youngs, Ryan Agnew, Bridgette
Boyle, Jamie Boyle, Philip Brou, Anthony Castronovo, James
Davis, Daniel Jolliffe, Vesna Jovanovic, Ryan Wilson Kelly,
Chip Kohrman, Nate Larson, Charles Massey, Jr., Kathy L.
McGhee, Fernando Orellana, Liam O'Brien, Megan Shevenock,
Joanna Spitzner, Brent Sommerhauser.
Special
thanks to Ken Rinaldo, for project advice. Thanks also to Joan
Leonard for advice on plant selections. |