True or False? Nature refreshes the spirit
Performances (Interactive)
In 2015, I decided to do a series of interactive performances called True or False? For this one, I posed a question, knowing that most people would answer in the affirmative. Indeed, 86% of people with whom I spoke were emphatic about the joys and rewards of spending time in nature. The surprising thing was this — each person had a very personal way of talking about the experience of being in a natural environment. Some people emphasized visual phenomena, while others spoke enthusiastically about sounds or tactile sensations. It was a pleasure to sit back and listen! Of course, I did share my own story with most participants. I explained that my childhood in a rough, urban setting on the south side of Chicago gave me a great distrust of anything that was outside the confines of our small apartment! Since moving to Westchester County, I have learned to appreciate looking at nature through the windows of my home or the windows of my car. But, I had to admit that I spend no time at all outside, communing with nature. Most people were shocked by my revelation. That is fine — art can be shocking!