The genesis of ‘Architecture of a Puddle’ lies in an intriguing idea I once came across in a book, whose title eludes me now. It discussed how puddles, often seen as unwanted by-products of infrastructure, are in fact reflections of decisions made in the built environment. This concept fascinated me, suggesting that puddles are not mere happenstance but rather the manifestations of choices, or the lack thereof, in how we interact with the language and demands of water. They represent water’s own voice, registering its disagreement with our constructed landscapes.
In creating ‘Architecture of a Puddle’, I thought of the Anthropic Principle, where nature acts as a mirror to our impact on the world. The painting captures the reflection of an ironwood tree in a puddle, posing a silent question: How does our world reshape itself around us just as we reshape it? This artwork is an intimate dance of adaptation, a dialogue between the existence of the natural branches and their ephemeral, watery counterparts. The space in between.
“If you imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, ‘This is an interesting world I find myself in — an interesting hole I find myself in — fits me rather neatly, doesn’t it? In fact it fits me staggeringly well, must have been made to have me in it!”
Douglas Adams
I’m delighted to share that ‘Architecture of a Puddle’ has found a home with a couple who had admired it for a long time. Despite its understated presence in exhibitions, where it often flew under the radar, this piece has always held a special place in my portfolio. Completed in 2021, it continues to resonate with my current physical work in addressing drainage issues in our local Bronx Park, blending the realms of art and environmental action.
‘Architecture of a Puddle’ is a narrative about our interaction with the natural world and an invitation to observe the subtle, yet profound, conversations between us and the environment we inhabit.