Silent Windchimes
Katrina Cottages
A recent project for the unveiling of 11 Katrina Cottages, installed in the largely impoverished neighborhood of Baptist Town, Greenwood, was partially inspired by two instances-- driving through Cristo’s large-scale “The Umbrellas” installation in the Tejon Pass near Grapevine in California, and driving through the Provence region of France, where I came across a tiny picturesque medieval village, lined with cobblestone walls, narrow winding streets and colorful flag banners strung across the streets in a visceral, intimate and whimsical canopy.
I called my project “Silent Windchimes”, a series of brightly colored fabric remnants, layered and sewn together and then hung to connect the cottages. While the only sound the banners emit is a slight rustling, provided by the recycled plastic bags that are fused and repurposed as new fabric appliques, it conveys a spontaneous feeling of pleasure, calm and connectivity.
In my quest to spread the magic of the Silent Windchimes, I have started to parse them out to all parts of the world, where either I am visiting or a friend is living. Here on a very old farm "stoep", a string hangs lazily. Modderrivier, Western Cape, South Africa.
Modderrivier - The Little Farmhouse
Brightening up this inviting playground at one of my favorite pre schools in Los Angeles.
Sherman Oaks, California
Silent Wind Chimes Flying in Tanzania
A friend of mine works in Tanzania once a year and took a string with him. He sent me this video. People loved sitting and watching the little pieces of fabric blowing in the wind.
Happy flags in fabulous pre schools…dreamy