9. c.annalisamilleracademic + student work
Our task for this assignment was to create a meaningful and thought-provoking
installation showing contrast through the technique of stacking objects found
in nature. The medium for these two installations is driftwood salvaged from
the bank of the Potomac along Windmill Hill park in Old Town, Alexandria. In
the first installation we contrasted the living (cherry tree) and the dead (drift-
wood) on the WAAC campus along Prince St. In the second installation we
contrasted the built and natural environment by stacking the driftwood around
a light post in the WAAC parking lot. Through both of these installations we
showed that stacking provides structure to organic objects, but that this struc-
ture is not always intended to last.
contrasting
stack
installation and material exploration
10. c.annalisamilleracademic + student work
How do falling leaves shape our experience of space? We notice many de-
ciduous trees in Old Town and oak, linden, and maple surrounding the WAAC,
but their leaves often disappear soon after falling. What if the leaves were to
stay? If they coalesced into a meandering line on the front lawn, they would
express the season of fall in a way that is lost when the zealous maintenance
crews whisk them away prematurely. Moving to the courtyard, an angular line
creates a room for students to chat or dine by the Valley Forge Elms, tread-
ing lightly while shaping the experience of the space. Within days wind had
caused the form of the line to dissolve away, reminiscent of the art in nature
by Andy Goldsworthy, dramatically drawing attention while using elements that
are naturally absorbed back into the landscape within a short time.
meandering
line
installation and material exploration
