Re:Growth  is a project intended to inspire Austinites to create, regenerate, and enjoy a sustainable culture, even in the throws of rapid expansion. It’s about growth! Intentional, shared, intelligent, creative, sustainable growth. Bamboo has tremendous lessons to teach us about regeneration. An ancient, prosperous, diverse, flexible, and of course strong building material, Bamboo, is an integral part of many cultures world wide. The ease of Bamboo makes for direct and satisfying creative experiences. It’s unique physical properties  promote elegant, versatile structures.

We propose a multi phase project that will culminate in 10 shelter sculptures on Auditorium shores:
Throughout the month of December we will offer weekly workshops in Bamboo to the public and our selected crew. We will teach about the material itself (origins, uses, structural specifics, history, etc), traditional weaving techniques, and introduce Gerard’s work. We will create a mobile sculpture float during these work shops together to practice the approach for building the shelters. We will also learn about the solar/ wind powered generators and LED lighting we will use in the installation. Ultimately we will be preparing ourselves as ambassadors of sustainability. During the festivities we will be sharing our knowledge, interacting with our community and hosting a warm, playful, creative installation for all of Austin.

In an interactive environment we will display 10 participant crafted, elegant bamboo sculptures. They will be creatively lit with LED lighting and emanate a low volume time themed soundscape. The beautiful color washes will pulse from within the pieces creating a luminous glow. The mesmerizing ticking of time will draw people closer to the transition into a New Year, when celebratory chimes, bells and cheers will announce 2009. The power will be drawn from a revolutionary wind & solar generator. These structures can be climbed on, used as a shielded resting spot, display information, and show case other sustainable arts such as furniture, mats, bowls, topiaries, etc. We envision partnering with other First Night sponsored artists and local businesses to fully utilize the space for performance, collaboration, and education. The stage CAN be set in a 100% sustainable manner!

"Bamboo Wave" at Coachella 2008, illuminated at night

We envision a store front set up as an informational diorama that will creatively outline our materials (bamboo, solar power, wind power, led lighting) and tell a story about generating a sustainable culture through multi generational teaching. Of course we would be tempting all who see it to visit the installation site to really enjoy our efforts.

We would also like to participate in the parade by creating a people powered, mobile sculpture float (see model), allowing the creators of the structures to interact with the viewing public, encouraging them to join us at the Auditorium Shores site for music, lights, festivities, and performances.