Getting to know the site for the Flotsam weirs again after a winter’s hiatus – I am reminded about why I was so compelled to want to create something here. Water courses by on two sides and the site is largely forgotten – between a commercial and residential zone. Growing up, these were the spaces that nourished me (and still do!). In these in-betweens, I find magic and poetry, the refugees from efficiency and Utility flourishing in the periphery of Progress’ tunnel vision. I’ve always felt refreshed in places like these.
Throughout the site, water dominates, in sound, smell, and the way that the water has distributed flotsam in beautiful patterns. This time, I found some of my favorite spring ephemerals – trout lily, false hellebore, Solomon’s seal, and Dutchman’s breeches scattered through the site. As I walked back and forth, I mapped out the areas where I wanted to construct the woven weirs (fence like structures), noting positions of support saplings, views and landscape features I find compelling. In the process of doing so, I noted that while historically weirs had been used to trap fish for physical sustenance, my hope with these is that I might capture ideas and inspiration to nourish scientific or artistic exploration and interest.
