"SEMAPHORE LOVE LETTERS" is an ongoing series, begun in November 2018, of movement and flag based video and public performances in Maine, France, Portugal, Italy, and the Republic of Georgia; a declaration of love and lament to water in all forms. Semaphore is a system of nonverbal coded communication using flags held in specific positions to represent letters that then spell out phrases often traversing vast distances. This project begins from the understanding that water supports all life, and seeks to draw attention to and build relationship with water as an entity.
The mylar ‘safety poncho’ speaks to the urgency of this critical moment, both ecologically and socially. Though useful against cold and heat, these garments do nothing to protect us from the effects of emotional catastrophe, or the damage of isolation and social rupture.
“I am calling to you, my beloved, across these sublime spaces. I am declaring my love to you, and to the mountains, and to the sea, to the unknowable in myself, in you, and all that is.”
Semaphore Love Letter - Alps
Semaphore Love Letter - Nazaré
Semaphore Love Letter - Isle Grande
Semaphore Love Letter - Kismet (clip)
Semaphore Love Letter - Isle au Haut
Semaphore Love Letter - Schoodic
Semaphore Love Letter - Méribel
Semaphore Love Letter - Tbilisi
Semaphore Love LEtter - Collective
As a way to investigate collective intention
and action I invited a group of volunteers to participate in this project in rural Maine, August 2020. We learned and performed the semaphore phrase "eternal love" at the edge of the ocean. I see the ocean / water as the
potential recipient of the messages, but our intentions varied, directed towards specific persons, non-human entities or situations. We requested water to be the carrier of the message clothed in mylar “safety ponchos” often used in situations of disaster. This performance took place
during the pandemic and points to the urgency of this critical moment, both ecologically and
socially. Though useful against cold and heat, these garments do nothing to protect us from the
effects of emotional catastrophe, or the damage of isolation and social rupture. Hosted by Cynthia Winings Gallery Documented by Juliette Sutherland
Semaphore Love Letter - Collective
clip from 30 min live performance in Maine after 2 hr workshop on site
