Monthly Statement:
November 2005

The earlier and earlier setting sun really cut into my collecting time. I collected 23 pieces during just three trips to the bay. It began to rain in November; a welcome sign that more gum will be washing into the bay. With the rain the shore never dries out completely and I have taken to wearing latex gloves when collecting.

Process: I've been collecting detritus from the San Francisco bay for four years, and have noticed that it sorts itself into two categories: top floaters and bottom floaters. Gum is a bottom floater meaning it can only be found at low tide on shorelines with a very wide inter-tidal region. I carefully plan my collection visits according to the tide schedule, in locations I've previously identified to be rich in bottom floaters. Back at the studio I wash the collected items and place them in bags for later use.