I thought I would post this here because much of what she talks about relates to our early readings and discussions we’ve had in class. Betsy Damon is an installation artist and director of Keepers of the Waters. As stated on their website, “The mission of Keepers of the Waters is to inspire and promote projects that combine art, science and community involvement to restore, preserve and remediate water sources. Keepers is at the vanguard of integrated approaches to a vast complexity of water issues through collaborative innovative design, community organizing, mentoring, educating, providing workshops, and functioning as a cross cultural resource.”
She works in community with other artists and individuals to create her pieces. Most of the lecture was about a phenomenal work, the Living Water Garden in Chengdu, China. It’s a 5.9 acre public park and fully functioning water treatment plant. I’ve ripped off a couple of pics from her website, but a load of images can be found on her site.
She also spoke briefly about a project in Redding, CA. Carved into the stones in the art piece is information about water usage (e.g., 1 lb. of virgin aluminum uses 1,000 gallons of water). Water moves through the artwork and is then discharged into a wetland through which the waters are recycled. Images of the Sounds of Water Fountain Project can be found here.
I have to say that I left the event rather infatuated with her. She is so clearly directed and has created amazing pieces while refusing to deviate from her own principles. Her design principles include connectivity and adaptability – to the environment, to a communal vision. She’s using her art to create a better world – in a tangible way. What’s not to love?
joolse 