A collection of events in Fayetteville, Arkansas, during 2013. Each event was an attempt to explore the meaning of worship and its relationship to art; Immersive, thoughtful, participatory experiences, with each gathering being unique in both form and theme.
#1. i want you to feel this.
Based upon the Common Book of Prayer’s evening prayer service, this service was an exploration creating a space to bring the audience into a meditative reflective higher spiritual state through the controlled use of music, silence, light, fragrance, symbols & ritual. It included poetry by local Russ Ritter and handmade booklets.
#2 ash wednesday
A meditative evening on the theme of death & rebirth held on Ash Wednesday. We followed an adapted liturgical order. The service gave time for different reflective activities to further help the individuals explore the themes of the night. Handmade booklets were made which included a sew in bag of ash.
#3 holy week
The three days of holy week were explored each night as a reflection upon the events from the disciples perspective. Each night followed the traditional liturgical elements but also gave way experimental elements. There were opportunities to explore the room, where writings were posted (with place to respond) to poetic reflections upon all the characters involved in the three days events. The last day, ending the time of Lent, was in silence–only a note at the entry “god is dead.” & a podium draped in black cloth in the center of the room.
#4 ascension
Created to be an immersive sensory experience as a reflection on the event of Jesus Christ’s ascension into the clouds, from the perspective of the disciples. There were multiple digital projectors each on a 20 minute loop of different short video segments, also multiple slide projectors running family vacation photos, also an audio mix scored to the video loops. The whole viewing room was completely empty except for a couch for viewing and a small place to reflect. All the images are rear projected against thin plastic sheeting creating a haunting & overwhelming experience that answers no questions but only leaves you with questions.
TV painting installation by Trisha Parker
#5 acts²
As reflection upon the text of Acts 2, the event is centered around a large table in the middle of a room filled with hanging flames. The participants enjoy a delicious & celebratory snack & drink together, at one point they are asked to share an item of theirs with their neighbor at the table reflecting further on the statements about the very early Christian Church after Jesus had left.
#6 Our Father
An event focusing on prayer with an instrumental score written by Derek Webb on/as the Lord’s Prayer. Between the music’s movements people share why they pray or don’t. Throughout the time everyone was invited to reflect & express prayer in various ways at different stations throughout the room.
#7 Third Stone Sun Celebrants
For the climax of the series this event in collaboration with Trevor Bates, we created & advertised a wholy mythological identity, The Third Stone Sun Celebrants to explore the experience of being the outsider. The event was divided into 2 parts. The first the strange ritualistic performance, followed by a time of discussion & reflection over beers.
