Art & Loneliness Project
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, wrote in Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, "Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished."
Inspired by my own loneliness and isolation, I decided to search for solutions for myself and others. One of the first resources I came upon was, Dr. Jerome Noble's, the book, Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection
and The Project UnLoney
The Art & Loneliness Project's first work is entitled, Burnt Flames a clay sculpture incased in plexiglass, surrounded by an lopped audio loop of strangers sharing their thoughts on what loneliness looks and feels like to them.
What does loneliness look, feel, or sound like to you? Is it a pit in your stomach or a hole in your chest? Has it left you feeling depressed or hopeless? Do you feel ashamed or embarrassed by feelings of loneliness?
Despite reaching epidemic proportions, the physiological effects of loneliness are just beginning to be discussed. To that end, I am seeking volunteers to share their thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions to loneliness for a mixed media art installation that I am creating. (Date and location TBD.)
Be an integral part of this project by recording a brief (30-60 second) audio message(s) in response to some or all of the questions above. Please email me your clips and I will alert you when the project has launched. In the interim, listen to a few sample recording by clicking the audio play button below. I am collecting audio clips from people all over the world.
(All audio clips used in the installation will remain anonymous and may be edited for length.)
Inspired by my own loneliness and isolation, I decided to search for solutions for myself and others. One of the first resources I came upon was, Dr. Jerome Noble's, the book, Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection
and The Project UnLoney
The Art & Loneliness Project's first work is entitled, Burnt Flames a clay sculpture incased in plexiglass, surrounded by an lopped audio loop of strangers sharing their thoughts on what loneliness looks and feels like to them.
What does loneliness look, feel, or sound like to you? Is it a pit in your stomach or a hole in your chest? Has it left you feeling depressed or hopeless? Do you feel ashamed or embarrassed by feelings of loneliness?
Despite reaching epidemic proportions, the physiological effects of loneliness are just beginning to be discussed. To that end, I am seeking volunteers to share their thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions to loneliness for a mixed media art installation that I am creating. (Date and location TBD.)
Be an integral part of this project by recording a brief (30-60 second) audio message(s) in response to some or all of the questions above. Please email me your clips and I will alert you when the project has launched. In the interim, listen to a few sample recording by clicking the audio play button below. I am collecting audio clips from people all over the world.
(All audio clips used in the installation will remain anonymous and may be edited for length.)