Monthly
Statement:
February
2006
I liked the idea of candles for this project because of the
universal nature of their use. Lighting a candle is hardly
exclusive to any religion or to religion in general. My hope
is it does not alienate anyone.
When I think about candles in a historical context, their
usefulness as a light source is obvious. The Egyptians are
credited with inventing candles (beeswax and animal fat) around
3000 BC. Ancients cultures over the globe came to develop
methods for making candles. I wonder about when the pragmatism
of lighting a candle took on a sacred quality.
In the context of this modern project, I think the candle
is provided with an extraordinary quality because someone
went through the process of pondering an intent and writing
it down, and then expended the energy to get the candle(s)
to me.
In terms of my personal relationship with the art, I find
myself feeling very protective of the art object that is accumulating
in my kitchen. She (the object) has even assumed a gender
in my mind. I am very proud of the glass fiber cloth (standard
issue in the UK for putting out kitchen fires) I drape over
the object before I leave the house as it took a while to
find an US supplier. I have between 8-20 candles burning each
day. The wicks continue to burn on wax that has been accumulated
previously. I try to remove them (that is what is in the box
pictured) but it is feasible that I could miss something.
The blanket alleviates my fear of smoldering. The pieces of
paper with the wishes and remembrances inscribed are collecting
in another room. Also a protective measure.
Process:
Over the course of a year I will be burning candles and permitting
the wax to accumulate on a makeshift altar. The candles are
burned in remembrance of someone or with the intent of a prosperous
wish for oneself, others, or the world. The public is invited
(through viral email, post cards and internet postings) to
contribute candles with a wish or remembrance attached. In
addition to accumulating the wax as I burn the candles, I
will also be documenting what compelled people to contribute
to the project.
If
you want to participate in this project, send a white votive
or tea lite to:
Barbara Nasto
209 First Street Apt 3R
Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
