Muir’s Moraines
Yountville CA | 2011
Inspired by John Muir’s memoirs, this is a metaphorical geological meditation on his life. Precarious ladders are mountains; rusty mattress springs an ancient ocean floor; ancient live plants in an aquarium are Sierra wetlands. Outside, solo sculpture Stream marks Museum entrance. Curated by Jennifer Garden
The geographic biography:
1. HOMESTEAD –Cart, ladder, sod, rope.
2. FOOTHILLS–Cart, quartz, gravel, grates, magnolia branches
3. ANCIENT SEA–Mattress springs, dried sea plants, copper pipes
4. GLACIAL WETLAND—Carts, detritus, quartz, aquarium, horsetails (ancient species)
5. THE MIDWEST–Bed frames, grates, burl, springs, sewer cover, sod
6. THE CAMP SITE–Pallet, pans, buckets, chairs, jars, detritus, rolling table, water.
7. THE WELL AS DEEP AS A MOUNTAIN–Ladder, roof shingles, sod, bucket, quartz, water, bungee cords, metal connectors, wood
8. HALF DOME-–Sawhorses, grate, springs, cement, scale, roots, bottles, water, moss, packing crate.
STREAM–outside sentinel. 50+ salvaged bike wheels, antique farm wheel, old shop cart, river stones, formerly at the Oakland Museum of CA as Cartwheels.
