Mixed media installation with Super 8 projections.
18’x8’x8’ (dimensions variable)
2008

The title exhibited on the banner of this piece is adapted from the section of Thoreau’s Walden where he ruminates on the night bird, the owl.

Rejoice
Idiotic, maniacal sound
Vast, undeveloped nature
Stark twilight
Unsatisfied thoughts, the unsatisfied thoughts, unsatisfied

The main character is a decoy owl donning the real feathers of another bird and looking out through blue glass human eyes.  The owl is backed by Super 8 projections of a full moon and a campfire and rides a circus-style vehicle.  This piece indulges in anthropomorphism and disguises and explores the relationship of humans to wild animals and to the wilderness of their own minds.  In this passage, Thoreau encourages humanity to celebrate that which is untamed and this sculpture does the same.