Journal: March 2007 Archives

The Post Office Box was stuffed with stones yesterday. Stones and yellow slips of paper telling me that there were more parcels to be picked up at the front desk. It is truely remarkable, these stones making their way across the globe to the 30464 zip code. Those of you heading out into your surroundings, choosing that stone/s, writing a note to travel with it, or sending a photo of where the stone was found, thank you. Thank you for your time, your effort, your postage, your participation, and your belief in the collaboration. You are being spoke of here in Stillmore, Georgia. As hands hold the stones you passed along, stories are exchanged, and memories are shared. These connections made through your action, your stone. I open most of the packages in the post office, and Glenda or Dale, myself, and whoever may be checking their mail at that time, are always so intrigued to see what lies inside of these parcels. We take in the address labels, the stamps, the locations the stones are being sent from, and then, we are able to see the stone. It is passed around, held and shared by all present. Your stones have made a great journey, and already are engaging people, many are just amazed at the fact that they pouring in the way that they are. Right here in Stillmore, Georgia. Another exciting element is that all of this is preliminary, the stones have yet to be introduced into the installation, which will open on Saturday. It reminds me of past travels, the destination is always on that horizon, but, the journey to get there is really what makes the arrival so sweet. The stones are picking up more history every day, and Saturday, they will become an intimate element at Art in the Woods. I hope that you can make it out to Stillmore to experience the event. When you see the stones, perhaps you will recognize some from the images on desmundo. Perhaps you will meet someone at the event, and upon hearing their name, realize that they are the hands that held a stone you sent. And if you are unable to attend, know that you will still be an active participant. That your stone will be cared for, spoken of, held, and gazed upon. That it will initiate stories for some and help others remember times from thier past. Again, thank you.
You can find more images of the stones being held by members of the Stillmore community under the web entry The Arrival.

A link to Rexanna Lester's story "If He Builds It, Will The Stones Come"- a story on the stones collaboration and Stillmore, Georgia.
Savannah Morning News Press article

The PO Box was full of stones this afternoon. The latest arrivals include Washington, Arizona, Virginia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina and England. Look for more images soon. Thank you all for making this collaboration possible. The stones that have come to Stillmore are beautiful, the included notes have been great, the photos of where the stone was found are enchanting, the stories I have heard while photographing the stone in the hands of someone in Stillmore have been wonderful and the conversations with people, about people, all generated by the stones and your effort have been enlightening. I have been making images and printing replies for all who are participating. Keep an eye on your mailbox and remember your stone on the 24th of March, the day in the collaborative installation will be open for Art in the Woods.
peace.desmal

States with stones in the collaboration

Countries with stones in the collaboration

So, I made a post to desmundo.com, had a sip of coffee and started working on some images from a recent trip to Atlanta. In the process of introducing the files into my workflow, they disappeared. Gone, vanished into thin digits of information. Ouch! Google searches began, and I decided to try the trial version of cardrecovery.com- wow, it worked like a champion. Within a few minutes they were all there, back on the hard drive...the program found files from several months ago as well as those that went missing only minutes ago. The program impressed me so I thought I would give them a quick plug on desmundo. Back to work-

Goodnight Irene, Bloodlines, Hand Drawn Maps, Art in the Woods, The Stones Collaboration....so much happening in Emanuel County these days. Art and community, community and art...things seem to be coming together.

The Stones Collaboration grows...stones and growing, it's not often we think of those two words linked together. They work though, and the collaboration is growing. There have been new stones in the post office box nearly each day I check, and it's exciting. Exciting to see this collaboration grow. More and more people begining to take play a role in the work. More and more people participating in the upcoming Art in the Woods event. March 24 will be here before you know it. I hope to see you at the event, or perhaps a stone standing in for you.
Look for an upcoming article in Statesboro's 11th Hour newspaper. The Roots will be featured in next weeks issue. Thank you Luke, for the time and conversation in producing the article.
More on the Stones. An updated location map is included below. Illustrating what people/stones are taking part in the event.

Speaking with family this weekend, no stones in hand and a P.O. Box filled only with advertisments for grocery stores and bills that need to be paid, I was begining to lose faith in the Stones Collaboration. Saddened by this realization I was begining to draw up alternative plans for the space. The exhibition is only 19 days away with time continuing to pass by. Last night, opening the Post Office Box I found a water bill for nearly $4,000 dollars (that will keep you on your toes), a notice to pick up a parcel, a blue/silver box with international markings, and a manila mailing envelope. Much to my delight, the stones have begun to arrive. They will be documented today and hopefully posted by tomorrow. More info will come, but the project will still happen. If you have yet to send stones but have a desire to do so...please get those precious elements in the mail. I hope to see your stones soon.
Thank you Petra and Christy for your stones and participation in the project..they have helped keep the project alive.
Desmal