Grief

A Sculpture that is Alive

“Grief” is a performance I did on the center campus lawn at Smith College.

I wanted to make a tree with many cut limbs complete, despite knowing any effort would be futile. With the generous help of John Berryhill and Ben Green, I was able to cut branches from a rampant woods elsewhere, haul them back, and attach them to this tree with rope. Then, for an entire week, rain or shine, I stood sewing white cloth to secure the attachment, as people passed by, pointing or whispering with curiosity.

In grief we are so blinded. Over the course of my intense actions, the tree was budding. My efforts seemed so pale. I did not know if I should feel joy or helplessness, as the green leaves of my grief grew and spread with each day, and the attached limbs would always remain bare.