Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been an artist in residence at Manship in Gloucester MA, both virtually and in person. I received a learning grant from NEFA to research, explore and connect with the Gloucester fishing community and working waterfront.
For me, working with 'data' is like taking the exposed film to the dark room. It takes time as the image slowly moves into focus. The unexpected happens and perspectives shift.
I have invited amazing artists to collaborate with me on this project. Craig Winslow (video light), Jessica Zollman (production coordination, photography) Miles Ewell (sound),Neha Ewell (sound), Aaron Wisniewski, Lindsey and Stina as Alice&the Magician (scent).
After an extended visit as a team with great folks in the community, we now are steeped in our own creative processes. Scheduled zoom meetings every few months allow for us to continue weaving the proverbial net. We share, reflect, critique and ask questions before we go back into our own process. In addition, there is fundraising, grant applications and still the site to be finalized. Those aspects happen in Gloucester, by Manship our host. That part of the process feels much like being on a fishing boat at sea. There is no finite schedule nor outcome.
"That's why it's called fishing and not catching." Jimmy T, a Gloucester based fisherman of many generations, wisely said.
Isn't life in general more like fishing than catching ?
Are you interested in being part of this project? Want to contribute with in kind donations, money or just have a question? Please contact me for more information: erika@erikasenftmiller.com