How did Collective Effervescence come to exist? What was the inspiration or driving force behind its creation?

Collective Effervescence is the largest installation I’ve ever made, and I’m grateful to Terrain Biennial for giving me this rare opportunity. I’ve been working on this kind of sculpture for five years ago, starting with a series called “To Honor and Comfort,” tapestries made of handmade paper. From the beginning I used exactly the same technique that I used for Collective Effervescence, tying small squares together in patterns. Over the years I’ve added other materials to the tapestries – plastic, fabric, and finally aluminum cans. Collective Effervescence is the only one made entirely of cans.

I began work on this sculpture in the spring, just as we were coming out of our long Covid winter. I was ecstatic to be outside and to be with other people again. Collective effervescence is a sociological term about this kind of happiness. It describes the joy we feel as a group, a joy that is stronger that what we can feel individually.

I have a friend who says I like anything shiny. She’s exaggerating some, but aluminum cans seemed like a natural material for this work. They are very available, very colorful and very shiny. Some individual cans are beautifully designed, and that was one more reason I enjoyed using them. It made me even more aware that some of our most basic things can be beautiful. Many artists use recycled materials, but for me the recycling aspect is almost incidental. I use cans because I find them beautiful.

What else would you like to tell us about the work?

This was a joy to make. Many people were involved, saving cans, helping to put it together, and helping to install it.  I included as many people as I could, for the “collective” part and because I needed the help.

How did Collective Effervescence come to be installed at this particular home?

I asked Eden Unluata, a graduate school friend, to ask if he had any suggestions for a site for my sculpture. He said, “My friend Colette Adams has the most beautiful porch! Give her a call.” I showed Colette a sample of what I wanted to do, and she loved it. It was all very easy.

What mark would you like to leave on your audience?

I always wanted the work to be joyful, and people tell me it is. The combination of the bright colors, shiny cans, gentle movement in the wind and the sweet sound of the cans are all very appealing. I also wanted to take full advantage of my chance to work large, so this is not a timid piece. You almost have to react to it.

Were there any challenges in creating the work?

One amusing challenge was getting enough cans. Friends were saving them for me, and that was a good start. It was clear, though, that I would need many more than my friends could provide. Finally I asked a neighborhood restaurant, Oasis Fresh, if they would save them. Mirsada, the manager, was very enthusiastic and feels some ownership of the piece. She should! I took away large black garbage bags of cans from her restaurant for weeks.

How does Collective Effervescence relate to your larger practice?

Collective Effervescence contains signature elements of all my work, bright colors and unusual materials. It also has a spiritual element. For me, making art is an opportunity to connect beyond our day-to-day lives to larger elements and larger ideas. It reminds me that joy is available to us all.