Woke up this morning thinking about time. Wondering how the concept came into being. Observing natural cycles would seem to be the obvious answer. But how did we arrive at a system for “measuring” the passage of time? Astronomy is my guess.
The scale of time, like the scale of space, is relative and the perception of time seems highly variable. Sort of a stretchy net we through over our perceptions to organize them; to create our illusion of control of our perceptions and, by suggestion, our context.
I am brought again to wanting to create a series of works that illustrate alternate measures of time. A clock based on the growth of a tree; a clock that is driven by the ocean waves; a clock that chimes when the wind speed exceeds 22 mph; a clock that rings when a stone gains or loses 1 gram; a clock that booms a deep gong when the current of a river is faster or slower than average by 10%; event clocks for marking the passage of time related to events other than celestial bodies. Its an idea that continues to return to me with more urgency each time.
I am think now of Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha sitting by the river observing the flow. It feels like we are all in the flow of the river.
Lame Duck 