Ornaments created as a result of a science experiment…
The New York Edition hotel, Cultured Magazine and For Freedoms collective brings us a unique Christmas tree unveiling experience. For those who may not know, For Freedoms is a national collective of artists, institutions, organizations, and individuals who are experimenting with new and innovative pathways to civic participation.
The talented artist from the collective, Lauren Chanel Patrick, spoke to me about the inspiration and message behind the art. She created the ornaments that were hanging on the tall Christmas tree placed in the Edition hotel lobby bar. The ornaments are made up of crystal droplets that range in color from white to blue. The alchemical material, she explained, invite us to consider our freedom, or lack thereof, to access water.
She felt a place like the New York Edition Hotel that is located in the affluent Gramercy neighborhood, is the perfect way to appeal to those who are able to make a real difference. Lauren clarifies it is without shaming anyone that this message is put out there.
The ornaments are created through a process that is bonded with water, the rigidity of the crystal speaks to the solidity of the polar ice caps. This was so fascinating to me. Especially that each ornament took half a day to create and complete the scientific process it was undertaking.
Additionally, the droplet form physically connotes to the viewer the iconic imagery of the compound in its purest performance—falling water. At the top of the tree is a reversed triangle, alluding both to water as an alchemical symbol as well as relating to icons from other Ideologies.
With the gin and w
hiskey based winter cocktails pouring in, the conversation around the social message and the festive feeling that prevailed in the room made the art and its message all the more powerful.
The ornaments got its shape from wire wrapping and chemical reactions. As discussed with Lauren that science acts as the only form of validated information and a way to spread a truth, without lots of speculation. Thus, interesting that this holiday decoration holds such a social message that is very important for us to acknowledge. As climate change and our access to pure, clean water is limited, we have to start making incremental changes to our lifestyle, despite the opinions of those from our government.
Lauren was extremely approachable and passionate about this project and through our discussions I uncovered her inspirations, background and love for tennis. This piece is relevant today due to the ‘plastic free’ initiative that we see in things such as eradicating use of straws. As well as, apparent changes in our climate, like the melting of icebergs where animals are suffering or the simple fact that we face longer winters and short, hot summers.
All of this is the sum of human beings damaging our earth. Thus, let this holiday season remind you, if not urge you to act upon these natural resources that are depleting.
