I feel like I hit the ground running before winter session even started. I’ve been coordinating and organizing the creative brainstorming session with our first cohort of the Our Monument project since early November. The first cohort originally gathered in Esopus, NY in late July of 2021. A 2.5 day creative healing session sparked new beginnings and more healing for several of the 7 members of the cohort. Fast forward to January 2022 and we were able to host 3 zoom calls with several of the participants to reflect on how the creative healing session impacted them. We also spent an entire call discussing their visions for a world free from sexual violence. Their visions and thoughts were profound. Through digital collage, each of them walked us through their hopes for this future we are building together. Here are some of the images that felt profound to me.

So from these discussions and art works I am learning what the cohort needs in this future. Their final assignment was to create something out of modeling clay that they believe needs to be part of the national (final) monument. From those sculptures I will also draw inspiration for the local monument I am currently developing for the cohort. It will live in Kingston, NY for a time and then move to it’s permanent location River Hill Art Residency where we held the initial healing session.

I need to think in ways I can see and return to. Typing things into documents in computers just gets lost with my ADD brain so I’ve written out some of the items I’m focusing on during my research phase. I’ve also included a word I created (part of our Theory & Research homework) to put a name to something I hope can exist in my lifetime.

Much of what I took away (I’m still processing a lot of it) is that a future without sexual violence is a future without other types of violence. In order to be part of the change that makes this possible, the monument itself cannot cause harm. A negative carbon footprint feels important to me. Design that integrates with nature keeps coming to the surface. If you have any suggestions of work to look at I would very much appreciate it!

Can the monument’s mere existence support the prevention of sexual violence? Is there a way to convey understandings around consent with the work itself?

In terms of design- I’d like it to be kinetic in some way- whether in response to the elements a la Ned Khan, interactive in a meaningful way I feel like a static object does not represent the change I seek. I’m also considering light as a medium. I am going against my nature and not thinking of design/material constraints off the bat. It’s easy and safe to think small- nothing about this endeavor is easy or safe. It behooves me to think big from the get. If the national monument will be what I hope it will be then each local monument also needs to be bold, unique, and catastrophic to the current expectation of what a monument is.

I know in the past we have disagreed (Mariella) regarding the need for monuments. I am grateful for the readings you sent me. They helped me see your perspective. The Monument Lab organization and its goals may help you understand mine.

Thank you for requiring this space for reflection. I know I should always be writing about my work- this is an excellent way to get and stay in the habit. Until next time!