The Quarry Project Update
November 29, 2020

Each day, it becomes clearer that our overall health is enlivened by the treasured relationships we nurture. Here are five recent examples of the way vibrant communications, even from a distance, act as our crucial connective tissue.

For three nights in October, Andreas John (Quarry Project lead carpenter, problem solver, x-TABLE dancer, artist) waited at the quarry’s edge for this moment, the last window into the core of the milky way before it dipped below the horizon for the winter. When I saw it in my mailbox, there was this long moment of pause, expansion, shift. May it have a similarly beneficial effect for you.

Last week, Alana Phinney (Quarry Project CHAIR dancer) shared this writing about the role of the "Fool":
In our culture, a fool is something not to be, but in other cultures, the Fool is cherished. For example: The Fool is the first card in the tarot, she begins the story. Fools only know how to try, how to run full throttle towards the unknown. She falls down and gets up again. Failure does not exist for her; nothing fails on the Fool’s journey. The Fool is open and willing to be moved. All her experiences are part of her growth. She is young in spirit, regardless of biological age.

Quarry Project costume and set designer, Leslie Anderson and I have had a 30-year conversation about the creative process. Here is the latest - about letting go in this time of huge losses and how that shows up in this current piece:
I do think the most interesting concept to wrestle with is the idea of the duality of letting go, being free to go in new directions while still preserving that which you feel is essential. Adaptability to change is key for an artist. For example, you have invited the ensemble to join you in playing with the Quarry Project material because it keeps the work fluid and allows for evolution, for you to see that alternate path, that sweet spot, and how this art piece fits into the big picture.

This poem is from Mary Pratt whom I first met during Dear Pina, and whose green fainting couch almost became a set element for a pregnant dancer.

The dancers float above the water,
above the stone, not dancing,
floating, below the dancing
clouds, the unknowing clouds,
above the stillness of the stone.

And this blessing from friend, Joey Corcoran…
May there be a warm breeze under your wings to carry you forward into the full creation of the Quarry Project.

In ending for this month of November, my wishes for each of you are:
May you be strong, May you be healthy, May you be safe,
May you have many wonderful conversations, and
May you be calm and steadfast in the path you know to be true.

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