Dreamcatcher Project Description

THE RHIZOMATIC COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS DREAMCATCHER

 

 

Cilla Vee Life Arts

 

The Rhizomatic Collective Unconscious Dreamcatcher

 

a Motion Sculpture Movement Installation

durational performance and evolving sculpture

 

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

 

 

Brief Project Summary:

The Rhizomatic Collective Unconscious Dreamcatcher is a performance and sculpture installation that draws on traditions of weaving to express recurring forms in nature. This work explores the crucial networks and systems of unification and connection in the natural environment and in human society by comparing mycorrhizal fungi with the neural networks of the mind and our Collective Unconscious – its expression in archetypal myths and dreams.

 

Project Context –

The Rhizomatic Collective Unconscious Dreamcatcher is part of a larger on-going, continuously evolving project entitled RAW-(Material), which explores the raw materials of the Self in relationship with the raw materials of Nature. There is an emphasis on themes of transformation, metamorphosis and transcendence and a philosophical influence from transformation myths such as those described in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, where a Human Body is transformed into a Nature Body.

RAW-(Material) project events are often presented as an environmental Call To Action!

 

 

Dreamcatcher at {Re}Happening, Lake Eden NC - photo: Michael Oppenheim

 

Philosophical Narrative –

Comparing recent scientific research by Suzanne Simard and others on mycorrhizal fungal networks (the rhizomatic connections of subterranean fungi that carry communication between trees) to the Jungian concept of the human Collective Unconscious, which provides communication through archetypal symbols and dreams. Just as mycorrizal networks are essential to the forest structure, human social systems are deeply embedded into our DNA. Our innate understanding of humanness and thus our very survival depends upon them.

The theme of this work is the crucial networks and systems of unification and connection in the natural environment and in human society. They have evolved organically over eons and must be respected and nurtured for the wellbeing of the planet and ourselves.

 

Mycorrhizal fungal networks

Aesthetic Influences –

The structure of the Dreamcatcher serves as a framework for the aesthetic concept of weaving together fine white threads representing both fungal and neural networks. Caught into this web are the archetypal symbols of dreams represented by abstract forms and symbolic objects – all in shades of white or clear and translucent.

 

Neural networks of the brain

 

Physical Sculpture and Costuming –

Initial sculptural structure begins similar to a dreamcatcher but with just the upper curve of a frame plus net or web structure. This frame is then hooked onto an anchor and additional materials are woven into the dreamcatcher during performance, extending the sculptural form.

Materials can be any kind of white or clear fabrics, textiles, plastics, threads, twines that are long and pliable enough to weave. This is a great opportunity to re-cycle.

Costumes are fashioned from the same materials – the performers are an extension of the whole.

 

 

Our project is inspired by the Dreamcatcher

 

 

Performance Rubric and Methods –

The performative aspect of the work adopts the role of the Greek Chorus as a unified ensemble whose purpose it is to support and convey the narrative message. Potentially there could be any number of performers – or a solo figure who embodies the concept of chorus.

Motion Sculpture.

The principle performance form is that of Motion Sculpture – a dance/movement method developed by CillaVee that is sustainable for extended periods of time. Combining concepts of the body as a living sculpture with philosophies of movement as meditation, this practice is used for durational performance as a form of installation.

Archetypal Gesture.

Choreographic themes are based on the theatrical Archetypal Gesture work of Michael Chekhov. The understanding of these gestures is common to all humanity, crossing language and cultural divides.

Vocal Chant.

Layers of overlapping long, sustained vocal sounds ebb and flow throughout the performance. Sometimes in harmony and sometimes dissonant. Building in volume or decaying to a whisper.

 

 

Sketch from Michael Chekhov Archetypal Gestures

 

 

Statement of Cultural Intent –

The Dreamcatcher originates from the Indigenous North American Ojibwe tradition and was shared over time with other Native Nations, eventually being recognized globally as a spiritual object of protection in the dream world.  I worked for several summer seasons on the Qualla Boundary / Cherokee Indian Reservation as a dancer for ‘Unto These Hills’ - a grand outdoor drama telling the history of the Tsa-La-Gi (Cherokee) people. During that time the cast were given resident status on the reservation and worked along side tribal members. Some of the tribal members offered the opportunity to learn from them the craft of making Dreamcatchers.

My intentions in basing the structure of this artistic work on the Dreamcatcher are integral to the complex subject matter of the project. They are rooted in gratitude of this lineage and acknowledgement of ancestral land. Indigenous Nations throughout the world have a lifestyle of respect for their natural environments, living as part of the ecosystems they provide.

 

 

 

 

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