The Names We Give Water
Hurricane Helene rainwater, glass jars, etched lids, solar-powered lights
12' x 9.5' x 11"
Location: Warren Wilson College's bamboo forest alongside Swannanoa River, Swannanoa, North Carolina
November 22-23, 2024, As Part of Swannatopia's How Do We Mark The Flood? art, music and community event.
The Names We Give Water is a site-specific installation created in response to the flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Calling back to Earthworks created during the decade in which the Environmental Protection Agency was formed, particularly Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty, the shape of this work takes the form of a spiraling hurricane set amongst a forest of towering vertical bamboo that protected this particular area of the Swannanoa River bank from being washed away. As a counterreaction to human-created, warming ocean currents and climate change as the catalyst for the ever-rising instances of flooding catastrophes around the globe, this multimedia piece is powered by solar energy.
With Gratitude to Andaluna Malki, Jay Cathcart, Madalyn Wofford and Swannatopia for your camaraderie, friendship and support.