Susan Shanti Gibian
"Ephemeral Wonder." Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Created by removing invasive grasses to reveal the native species of vine, and allow it to thrive.
"Spiral Wonder." Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Created by removing invasive grasses to reveal the native species of vine, and allow it to thrive.
"Cradle with Love." Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Created with invasive grasses pulled by nearby sites, pine cones, and river stones.
"Generations." Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Pine sapling, fallen twigs and branches.
"Caress". Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Created with pine boughs brought down during hurricane Irene, and invasive grasses.
"Sunburs." Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Created by removing invasive grasses to reveal the native species of vine, and allow it to thrive.
"Tree Shrine." Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Created with invasive grasses pulled by nearby sites, pine cones, and fallen tree limbs.
Site-specific work at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Created by removing invasive grasses to reveal this native species of vine, and allow it to thrive.
My work reflects the ephemeral and transient qualities of life. When I am working directly with the earth and natural objects I am reminded of the inevitability of change, death and decay. Any sense of separation between myself and the environment gently falls away and I experience an intimate connection with the earth.
I honor this relationship by engaging in a collaborative dance with nature. There is a tangible flow of energy as I offer my love to the earth, and receive peace and serenity in return. I move a stone, a branch, a leaf, and the forces of nature respond – wind, rain, snow and sunlight generates a new pattern, color, shape or form.
My creative process generates an attitude of curiosity and a willingness to live in a place uncertainty. Being in this space of openness and vulnerability I see more clearly the incredible beauty and fragility of life. It is from this space that I allow the work to reveal itself.