Installation: "Slash And Burn"

“In order to thrive and flourish, sometimes we must Slash and Burn…”

Our ancestors knew this, and practiced it in order to clear land, gain fertile soil, and raise communities.  A more modern definition of ‘Slash and Burn’ may contain further complexities, and we often practice a self-destructive version of this on ourselves. Is this a necessary journey to reach where we want to be? Must we destroy, or let decay, before we can grow and develop into something more meaningful and beautiful? Is it always a choice?

Within our interactive, live installation, we visually wrestle with this concept, elegantly placing the two opposing stages side-by-side. A visual representation of rebirth.

photography by Nicole Mickle

florals and skirt design by Petaloso

This project was formulated specifically for the Entrepreneur’s Organization— becoming a main portion of the East Coast Conference opening night. When IDEvents connected with Bri and I, we were so honored to have our creative process chosen for such a meaningful event. First and foremost, our focus became the set. We wanted to create a three-dimensional, 360 degree set that pulled the viewer out of their current surroundings. A window into an elaborate world, one where they could view both a representational and metaphorical transition. The cube is 8x8 ft, designed and built as a collaborative effort by both Bri and I. Spending weeks collecting nature, bundling sticks and greens— drying out florals and and designing specific details to fill in each and every space. In planning, we knew we wanted one side to represent the ash and decay of emotional resistance, conflict, and even death. This side (shown below) was filled with barren branches— adding to the dried florals and dead plants— as well as charred wood. Everything on this side was also spray painted black and grey, seeping the lack of color onto the sides of the cube as well.

The opposite side of the set, representing rebirth, was overflowing with lush green ferns, vines, moss, and colorful florals. Rose petals scattered the ground and spilled out from the edges. The logs were set inside to act as natural seats for our models—branches, vines and roses hung from the open “ceiling” structure. You can find the original sketches for our process below.

Our models began in a state of weathered decay; covered from head to toe in a form of ashy clay. We focused on looking directly at the opposition of rebirth; visualizing a form destruction and self-destruction. The cleansing of the washcloth represents a desire to change circumstance; a transition. Emergence.

The paint applied to the skin begins the phase of rebirth. Beauty, color and cohesion begin to emerge from the uncertainty. Viewers begin to understand that a change is underway; and the building of color from dark to light on the skin confirms this. the model’s body language begins to shift- sitting more upright, more hopeful. There is a story being told—from the rubble there is life.

Special thanks to ID Events, The Entrepreneurs Organization, Our four incredible models, Florals and Skirt Design by Petaloso, and Photographer Nicole Mickle for allowing us to bring this vision to fruition.