Astrophotography Credits: Richard Berry
As a Programming Manager at PLAYA, an art and science residency program, I designed and produced the First Annual Dark Sky Gathering in 2019. It brought together poets, visual artists, musicians, a sound artists, film makers, astrophotographers, and the Culture and Heritage Director of the Klamath Tribes to share native star lore. This event was the catalyst for the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network which is engaging local Lake County Residents to celebrate and preserve the some of the darkest skies in the lower 48.
This Dark Sky work for me is a social practice, social sculpture studio and community development project. It is an attempt at taking in the lessons from the sky, by letting all the community shine and participate in something bigger than ourselves.
Dark Sky Preservation needs art and diverse perspectives that decolonize the sky. This work must honor the inspirations that the dark sky has offered for centuries, across the world's cultures. The majesty of the night sky still inspires art, music, spirituality, and we want to keep this treasure visible for all living things. I see a direct link to ecological preservation by way of cultural conservation through honoring indigenous star lores all over the world.
There is a biological needs for dark nights. Mammals need the darkness for deep sleep. Humans need the darkness for humility and reverence. All stars that shine should be seen by everyone. I believe that access to the Dark Sky is a basic right. We need the darkness.
This project has stirred much interest. Here is an episode about the event from OPB Field Guide. Documentary film maker Rick Rülf captured this work as well.
This documentary film examines cultural dimensions of humanity's relationship with darkness. As it progresses through informative and enriching interviews with experts in artistic, historical, cultural and scientific fields, the core message emerges, that the dark sky is a source of limitless creative potential and a natural resource to be cherished and preserved. Set in one of the darkest places on the North American continent a remote location in eastern Oregon, it highlights a special event that catalyzed the formation of the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network, an organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the dark sky legacy of the region.
This Dark Sky work for me is a social practice, social sculpture studio and community development project. It is an attempt at taking in the lessons from the sky, by letting all the community shine and participate in something bigger than ourselves.
Dark Sky Preservation needs art and diverse perspectives that decolonize the sky. This work must honor the inspirations that the dark sky has offered for centuries, across the world's cultures. The majesty of the night sky still inspires art, music, spirituality, and we want to keep this treasure visible for all living things. I see a direct link to ecological preservation by way of cultural conservation through honoring indigenous star lores all over the world.
There is a biological needs for dark nights. Mammals need the darkness for deep sleep. Humans need the darkness for humility and reverence. All stars that shine should be seen by everyone. I believe that access to the Dark Sky is a basic right. We need the darkness.
This project has stirred much interest. Here is an episode about the event from OPB Field Guide. Documentary film maker Rick Rülf captured this work as well.
This documentary film examines cultural dimensions of humanity's relationship with darkness. As it progresses through informative and enriching interviews with experts in artistic, historical, cultural and scientific fields, the core message emerges, that the dark sky is a source of limitless creative potential and a natural resource to be cherished and preserved. Set in one of the darkest places on the North American continent a remote location in eastern Oregon, it highlights a special event that catalyzed the formation of the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network, an organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the dark sky legacy of the region.