The Recology Artist in Residence program awards Bay Area artists exclusive access to the “Public Reuse and Recycling Area”, affectionately, the Dump. This massive warehouse, open 363 days a year, has a constant stream of materials coming in from construction sites, shuttered businesses, and household furniture disposal.

The works seen here were made during a four-month residency. In addition to the fantastical materials I found that I had to use (a dozen bags of a bizarre bright red organic powder, a human-size display case, sunglass lens samples, mirrors and lights of all kinds), I was particularly drawn toward small handwritten notes. What becomes of our passing thoughts scribbled on napkins and hotel notepads?

I focused on finding compelling writing, pairing it with interesting costumes or environments, and finding the right performer to inhabit them and deliver the text. I also built all of the film equipment from trash, which would influence my later sculptural practice. Trash-based film equipment included custom lights, a skateboard wheel-dolly, and a floating tripod (pictured above).

I also constructed a number of sculptures with mirror and light elements, including Skyloop, with a live video feed projection. This work creates layers of altered mirrored images of oneself that are playfully kaleidoscopic.

Special thanks to the incredible team at Recology: Deborah Munk, Sharon Spain, Micah Gibson, and Felisia Castaneda.