Project Eleven
Origin
In the rural landscapes of Tunisia, I encountered a phrase that would eventually shape my worldview: "Numero Hadesh"—Number Eleven. Initially, it was a riddle. When I asked locals how to travel between locations, the answer was invariably "Number Eleven." For months, I scanned for bus routes or marked vehicles, finding none.
The breakthrough came when I finally paid attention to the body language accompanying the advice: index and middle fingers pointing down, swinging back and forth. Two legs. Two distinct "ones" moving side-by-side. "Numero Hadesh" wasn't a vehicle; it was the act of walking.
That realization took on profound meaning when I met my wife in Tunisia. We married to walk the path of life together, and the number 11 became our symbol. From our marriage date to the serendipity of catching the clock at 11:11, the image of parallel elevens represents two individuals moving forward, side-by-side, in distinct but shared unity.
Project 11 is born from this philosophy. It is a conscious decision to walk through life with open eyes, taking the time to recognize the wonders that connect us. As an artist, I see sculpture in everything, but the true vision of this project is to bring others along for the walk—to expand our understanding, explore new vantage points, and share the beauty that surrounds us all.
Introducing Project Eleven: A Journey of Art, Place, and Connection
Project Eleven is an immersive artistic adventure that fuses intentional exploration with the power of sculpture. By deeply immersing ourselves in the rich culture of a city or the raw beauty of a natural landscape, we capture the essence of "place" through the simple, grounding act of walking.
But this is more than just a studio practice—it is a shared experience. Over the course of several weeks or months, we engage the community through live plein-air sculpting sessions, behind-the-scenes documentation, and on-site technical studies. The journey can culminate in a transformative gallery exhibition designed to be a contemplative sanctuary—a space that sparks wonder and prompts us to reflect on our own impact within the community and the environment that surrounds us.
Core Subject and Themes
The project will feature a collection of sculptures that draw inspiration from life and the inherent sculptural qualities of the observed world.
Primary Themes:
Impermanence and Change: Sculptures will utilize materials that evoke a sense of history, transformation, or motion (e.g., patinated metals, fired raw clays, balanced kinetic elements) to reflect the constant flux of nature and life.
Sculpting Our World: With a focus on process and experience, plein-air sculpting captures the spontaneity of life while recognizing the sculpture that surrounds us but is often unseen.
Interconnectedness: The arrangement and forms of the sculptures will suggest a dialogue between individual pieces, illustrating how discrete elements contribute to a cohesive, interdependent community life.
Target Audience
The project is intended for a broad audience, including:
Individuals interested in the creative process, specifically related to the interaction and recognition of sculpture in everyday life.
Art enthusiasts and collectors interested in contemporary sculpture and cultural documentation.
Students and educators in art, history, and sculptural process.
Project Structure
The project will be structured into three components: historic narrative, photos/sketches of the theme, and sculptural ‘maquettes’ with scaled pieces, guiding the visitor through a sensory and conceptual journey:
I. Context (Historic Narrative)
Focus: Provide context for the current observed reality.
Key Messages: Recognition of historic context to explore the change or permanence of the observed theme.
II. Process (Capturing a Sculptural Snapshot)
Focus: Document methods and experience in identifying and capturing a theme in clay.
Key Messages: A focus on experience, movement, and the capture of a moment in life.
III. Sculptural Products (Physical Pieces)
Focus: Three-dimensional representations of life.
Key Messages: Artist and audience interpretation of an event to spark thoughtfulness on observing the wonders of our surroundings and the sculpture in our world.
Essential Information / Key Messages
Sculpture surrounds and influences us in ways that are often not recognized.
The process of sculpting is as fulfilling as the final results.
Final products of the sculpting process elicit emotions and motivations that can only be interpreted by the viewer.
Conclusion
"Project Eleven" offers a timely and compelling artistic inquiry into our relationship with our environment. By presenting life through tactile sculpture, contextual narrative, and documented process, the project aims to inspire awe, foster introspection, and reinforce the vital connection prompting visitors to reflect on their own place and impact within the community.