Glimmers
October 2022
Ash
I love seeing fireflies on event walks. As they light up, I feel guided to a more meaningful, impactful, and positive connection with nature. They are Glimmers, small moments that spark joy or peace, which can help cue our nervous system to feel safe or calm. This multi-sensory installation explores the power of conversations between light, shadow, and movement. Accompanied by a sound bath, as each light fades in and out, and as shadows are cast into the room, the fireflies create a space for meditation. Engaging multiple senses allows for clarity of our thoughts. Often feeling overwhelmed by life, I am creating a positive outlet of healing, for myself and for my viewers.
I am seeking to understand nature’s therapeutic ability to engage our senses and calm our minds and bodies. This installation invites a similar interaction with the viewer. I am questioning how I can recreate a space that encourages reflection and healing in the same way that nature does for me. There is little time and opportunity to connect to nature in this way. I am investigating how multi-sensory work can become this outlet.
Process
Glimmers was my first investigation of steam bending. To fabricate the body of each firefly, I built a steam box and handmade ⅛” T sheets of veneer. Then, I cut out each shape and bent them over a variation of 5 jigs. This created a variety of curves and efficient production. The wings were created using laminate techniques and bending handmade strips of veneer on a luthier’s pipe. I worked collaboratively with the body of each firefly to create each set of wings. The sound bath was created through collecting and mixing audio recordings. There’s something about a repetitive, intricate & tedious process that I just LOVE!
