I AM WATER is a public art project created by On the Commons Artist-in-Residence Camille Gage. It is a vehicle for lending your voice to creation of a Great Lakes Charter.
The art project involves creating a large, moveable, indoor/outdoor sculpture consisting of hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of paper “ripples.” Each ripple will represent a voice added to the Charter and an individual who has pledged to be a steward of the Lakes.
There are two ways to participate by using I AM WATER Reflection/Action guide below:
1) Online at greatlakescomons.org. Share your thoughts via email, and a project artist will create a ripple for you.
2) By e-mail(info@greatlakescommons.org) . Send an email request for a materials packet for your classroom or group. Don’t forget to indicate how many ripples you want to create! The materials for your ripple(s) and a reflection/action guide will be mailed to the address you provide. You will also receive a SASE envelope you can use to submit your ripples.
I AM WATER Reflelction/Action Guide
I AM WATER asks you to reflect on your relationship to the Great Lakes and our planet’s fresh water by following these simple steps:
*Find a quiet space to sit and reflect, free from distractions. If you are doing this as a class, discuss the questions below as a group and then move into personal reflection.
*Take a few deep breaths and let an image of water come into your mind. Perhaps it is one of the Great Lakes, a beach you visit, a vista of the Lakes you particularly enjoy, or another body of water you cherish (if you have never seen the Great Lakes but still care about them).
*Stay with this image as you take a few more silent breaths.
Now consider these questions:
Why do the Great Lakes matter to you?
What is our responsibility to and for them?
How can we best protect them?
Make sure to note a single word or phrase that you would like to have on your ripple when participating on line or through email with an I AM WATER packet.
Thank you for being a part of I AM WATER and adding your voice to the Great Lakes Charter!
