Lydia Cheshewalla
Community River Almanac
2023, interactive artwork, materials and dimensions variable
A member of Osage Nation, Lydia Cheshewalla expresses Indigenous concepts of interconnectedness through her work, challenging Western anthropocentric ideologies. For this site-specific, interactive piece, the artist invites visitors of Cherry Street Pier to record their observations and reflections on the Delaware River and its surrounding ecology, using provided materials and prompts. After the exhibition, Cheshewalla will compile the participants’ sketches, writings, and collected ephemera into a handmade artist book, with a digital version available to all. Copied below are the full instructions and prompts, offered to participants on a one-page handout:
Overview:
Artist Lydia Cheshewalla invites you (yes, you!) to record your observations and reflections on the Delaware River and its surrounding ecology, using the provided materials and prompts. You’re welcome to write, sketch, make crayon rubbings, trace leaves...there's no wrong answer! As you engage with the prompts, feel free to examine and collect specimens like acorns, pine needles, or interesting detritus. Just be mindful that your actions aren't destructive in any way.
When finished, place your page in the metal binder, along with any flat collected objects (like leaves). Please include the date and time, and the specific location where your observations were made. Larger and more three-dimensional collected objects should be placed in the wooden box. Digital responses can be emailed to lydiachesh@gmail.com, with the subject line “RIVER ALMANAC.”
Through everybody's contributions, over time, a collaborative almanac will emerge that compiles important ecological data and captures our collective experience of nature in this public place. After the exhibition, Cheshewalla will format the almanac as a handmade artist book, with a digital version available to all.
Prompts:
Pick a spot on or around the pier to observe. What is the first thing that you notice? Take one minute to jot down a few notes or draw a quick sketch. After the minute is up, look again. Look more closely. With a little more time and attention, what emerges? What do you notice now that you didn't notice at first glance? Make another sketch and/or elaborate on your notes. This time, give yourself five or more minutes.
While you sit on the pier, what other beings, creatures, lifeforms, and phenomena do you see? Who and what gathers here?
When you are near the river, how do you feel? What do you like about coming here? What is something you know about the river that you wish everyone knew?
What colors do you notice most? Listen, what do you hear? How do these things change throughout the day, month, and year?
Where does the light reflect best on the water?
What do you know about the history of this place? How do you imagine this place in the future?
Additional prompts on small, blue signs are installed throughout the Pier.