Gardens In Roam

Gardens In Roam

2008


Gardens in Roam came into existence in my time volunteering at The Children’s Home, an orphanage in Tampa, Florida. Twice a week, I worked with twenty eight year old children. My aim was simply to spend time with the children in positive and active ways, as many non-profits need more support in their programming. The children’s drive to be outside and physical led us to planting a garden on the campus. On rainy days, we spent time learning to juice vegetables and fruits, painting or drawing, and sometimes cooking. Reflecting, the garden seemed much like a family, sharing a space and growing together. However, these children were removed from their families and found themselves in this new dormitory style living waiting for a new family.

This work invites visitors to become the owner of a “fine arts object” through a interview meant to mimic the adoption process. Interviewees must agree to a ninety-day relationship with their plant (to fruition). Upon success of fruiting their plants, participants are rewarded by a home cooked meal by the artist at his or her place of residence. This project exposes participants to a caring relationship and an opportunity to experience creating one’s own food. In a way, people are set up to become small-scale farmers and foster parents.