Most days are clear, sunny and warm in Arizona. Here, one might forget that the world is experiencing a crisis and it’s affecting how we live and work. I sit here, as a nomad in a 24 foot travel trailer in Picacho Peak — a hidden gem of Arizona, reflecting on what to write for my April blog post.
My husband, Michael, and I are fortunate to be able to hike every day in the desert behind the resort. As two people living 24/7 in 181 square feet, we need to naturally take some air. With the Covid-19 pandemic it’s important for us to be settled where we can still safely walk or hike everyday. Having an excellent MIFI allows us virtual contact with others while sheltering in place. To keep busy, we are attending online classes, carefully searching the web for information, getting news... For me it’s important to talk every day with my aging mom back in Canada and keep her spirits up while she is self-isolating in Gatineau.
Apart from conversation and long hikes in the desert, I have time to catch up on artwork and our own personal Incessant Journey blog. Even as full-time travelers, like most people life has undoubtedly changed. Being in Arizona, I had prepared months ahead on visiting artists studios. From a pragmatic point of view, the artists mutually agreed self-isolation was the best policy. Therefore, planned meetings with five binders and book makers in the Tucson area were postponed. Till next year!
In the meantime, staying at home gives me the opportunity to think of the concept for a 20th-anniversary package for my artist book project City Shields. I have over 80 new photos of manhole covers to go through plus text and information from the last 20 years to compile. Hoping to have most of the package done by the Fall.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. The new package for the 20th anniversary of my project CIty Shields.
Earlier in the year, Barbara Grygutis and I had been in contact for our annual get together. That visit was also differed. At the beginning of March, just before the health crisis, I had time to view Barbara’s new installation in Phoenix, Arizona — A Path For Water.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. A Path for Water by Barbara Grygutis, at the corner of 6th & Butler in Phoenix, Arizona.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. A closer look at A Path for Water by Barbara Grygutis.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. Looking inside A Path for Water by Barbara Grygutis.
“Conceptually, the sculpture is the funnel through which the water is collected for the site. The sculpture was developed for the tip of the site. The ribbon style walkway, commencing at the top of the sculpture, makes its way down the sculpture, and becomes the walkway, which ends at the fence. My approach to creating a work of art for the 6th and Butler site is to look at the entire site as the canvas for the artwork. Most importantly, the landscape development is integral to the sculptural elements. The entire site will ultimately be the work of art.” Barbara Grygutis
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. A Path for Water by Barbara Grygutis.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. A Path for Water in its environment.
© 2020 Louise Levergneux. I’m appreciative for all of your continued virtual news and posts while we are self-isolating. Be safe. To give back here is a Cactus in bloom with spectacular flowers..