Choose to Play
For our pilot project, The Last Garden, we set out to create a large-scale installation that encourages observation, collaboration and play. The kinetic flowers represent the choice between preserving our ever-evolving ecosystems or being overwhelmed by thrown-away goods that sit in landfills for centuries. Nearly 100% of materials were found, reclaimed, scrap or unwanted. Their transformation is intended to inspire players to re-imagine, repurpose, reuse, and re-love their own trash.
The Last Garden was scheduled to premiere at One Earth Film Festival at Navy Pier in March 2020 before Chicago shut down due to COVID-19. Thanks to Terrain Exhibitions global #ArtInPlace initiative, we were able to present the piece for public viewing in our yard from May 20 - June 20, 2020.
AWESOME UPDATE: The Last Garden exhibited at the Northcenter Town Square Farmer’s Market in July 2021 and then again at The Plant Chicago’s Farmer’s Market in August 2021. Thank you to all who came out and played with us. If you are interested in exhibiting The Last Garden for your event, please contact us.
Orchid partly made from plastic bags, plastic leis, shaped plastic forks, spoons and knives
Blue pimpernel flower made of upcycled metal, plastic, shipping tube, and yarn scraps
Textured petals made from wire hangers, plastic bags and vegetable mesh bags
"Welcome to Nowhere"
Rainbow flower structure started with an umbrella. Pop!
Surprises in every bloom. Bzzzzzz
It takes close observation and collaboration to light up the center flower.
Diverted recycled materials from Terracycle
Work in progress - ironing hundreds of plastic bags
Work in Progress - The structure from reclaimed ladders on Craigslist
It is so lit!
Work in Progress - problem solving and troubleshooting
Never too early to go Nowhere
