Orison Dome at Firefly
The Orison Dome and the Prayer Flag Project was an an installation that was shown at
this year. This project consists of two parts. A dome structure and an interactive art project that goes inside the dome.
The dome is a new innovative type of dome that
been building over the last couple years. It is a geodesic dome that uses a method of pentagrams and hexagrams as its structure instead of the typical triangle structure that is normally used. The whole dome is held together with a system of harnesses, instead of through bolting together the struts that make it up.
It takes no tools to build. It is made out of forty inch steel poles, welded steel hubs and rope harnesses, which all fit together to form the dome. It can get set up by one or two people in less than an hour.
The key to this dome system is the hub that links the whole thing together and forms the shape. This past year we have been experimenting with how to build different types of hubs to see which will work the best. Firefly was a prototype test for new welded hub that we've just started making.
The dome was covered in the fabric artwork that has been made for this project, titled The Orison Dome, and a tent was hung on the inside to protect from the elements. The inside was decorated and the prayer flag project hung inside, making a small sacred space for people to come hang out and participate in the project.
The Prayer Flag Project project is a community participation project that I have brought to several festivals this year. It was housed inside the dome.
The Prayer Flag Project is a moving installation that is travelling over the course of this year. It is been set up at festivals, in homes, parks and public gatherings. So far it has shown at
, British Columbia Canada. January.
, Quebec, Canada. April.
, Ontario, Canada. May.
New York, U.S. June.
, Singhampton, Ontraio. July
The purpose of this project is to inspire people to actively participate in creating their own spiritual space and to promote community wellness.
Based on the idea of Tibetan prayer flags, the I have made empty flags and set up a station where people can design and set up their own. People write their own prayers, wishes, intentions or images on the empty flags. The flags then get hung at the end of the prayer chain. Over the course of the year the chain will grow longer and longer, and the prayers will travel across communities everywhere.
Thanks to all who participated in this project, and see you at another festival soon!