Dancing for Joy

Creating a monumental sculpture like “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)” involves a blend of artistic vision, meticulous planning, and hands-on craftsmanship. This blog post takes you behind the scenes of The Myth Makers’ creative process, offering a glimpse into the intricate steps involved in bringing this bamboo masterpiece to life.

The journey of “Dancing for Joy” began with a concept inspired by the natural beauty and vibrant birdlife of Back Cove. Dodson and Moerlein envisioned two great egrets, captured in their enchanting mating dance, as a symbolic representation of the area’s wildlife and the dynamic flow of people through the park.

The initial design phase involved detailed sketches and digital renderings, allowing the artists to refine their vision and address practical considerations such as scale, materials, and site-specific challenges. The goal was to create a sculpture that is both visually striking and interactive, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with the artwork.

A key aspect of The Myth Makers’ work is their commitment to using natural, sustainable materials. For “Dancing for Joy,” they chose bamboo, a material known for its strength, flexibility, and environmental benefits. Bamboo grows quickly and requires minimal resources, making it an eco-friendly choice for large-scale sculptures.

The artists carefully selected bamboo stalks of varying sizes and shapes, ensuring that each piece would contribute to the overall structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the sculpture.

Building a twenty-foot-tall bamboo sculpture is no small feat. The construction process began with the creation of a sturdy framework, using larger bamboo stalks to form the primary structure. This framework provided the necessary support for the intricate weaving and binding of smaller bamboo pieces that followed.

Dodson and Moerlein employed traditional bamboo construction techniques, including lashing and knotting, to securely bind the bamboo elements together. This hands-on craftsmanship not only ensured the stability of the sculpture but also added a layer of authenticity and connection to natural materials.

Every large-scale art project comes with its own set of challenges, and “Dancing for Joy” was no exception. One of the primary challenges was ensuring the sculpture’s stability and durability, given its temporary nature and exposure to the elements. Bamboo is naturally weather resistant, and the design of the anchors and ballasts ensure stability.

Throughout the construction process, Dodson and Moerlein documented their progress with photos and videos, capturing the evolution of the sculpture from initial sketches to final assembly. These behind-the-scenes glimpses offer a fascinating look at the dedication and craftsmanship involved in bringing “Dancing for Joy” to life.

The creation of “Dancing for Joy” is a testament to The Myth Makers’ artistic vision, technical skill, and commitment to sustainability. As the sculpture takes its place on the shores of Back Cove, it stands as a beacon of creativity and community, inviting all who visit to share in the joy and wonder it embodies.

Follow The Myth Makers:
Website https://www.themythmakers.org/
Instagram @themythmakersblog
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Myth-Makers/

The choice of great egrets for TEMPOart’s “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People)” is rich with symbolism and meaning. This blog post explores the deeper significance of these majestic birds and how they reflect the themes of nature, community, and love embedded in the installation.

Great egrets are among the most captivating birds found along the shores of Back Cove. Known for their elegant appearance and striking courtship displays, these birds are a symbol of beauty and grace in the natural world. Their presence in Back Cove is a testament to the area’s rich biodiversity and the importance of preserving local habitats.

Each spring, great egrets engage in a flamboyant mating dance, growing extravagant plumes and leaping with abandon to attract and impress a mate. This behavior is not only a fascinating natural spectacle but also a metaphor for the vibrancy and dynamism of life in Back Cove.

The Myth Makers chose great egrets as the central figures in their sculpture to highlight the connection between nature and the community. The duet of egrets performing their mating dance symbolizes the harmonious relationship between the environment and the people who visit and cherish Back Cove Trail and Park.

The sculpture also embodies themes of love and freedom. Great egrets share all nesting and child care duties, representing a partnership based on equality and mutual support. This aspect of their behavior aligns with the installation’s dedication to the freedom to marry who you love, celebrating the will of the people to democratically transform society.

“Dancing for Joy” serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. By depicting great egrets in their courtship dance, the sculpture invites viewers to appreciate the wonders of local wildlife and the importance of preserving natural spaces for future generations.

The installation also enhances the sense of community within Portland. As a meeting place and interactive art piece, it encourages people to come together, explore, and engage with the artwork and each other. The various entryways of the sculpture, designed for all ages, invite everyone to participate in the joyous display of the dancing egrets.

The dedication of “Dancing for Joy” to the freedom to marry is particularly meaningful in Maine, one of the first states to legalize same-sex marriage through a citizen’s petition that won the popular vote in 2012. This milestone reflects the power of collective action.

By honoring this achievement, the sculpture not only celebrates love in all its forms but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

The great egrets of “Dancing for Joy” are more than just a visual spectacle; they are a powerful symbol of nature’s beauty, community connection, and the enduring spirit of love and freedom. As visitors encounter this magnificent installation, they are invited to reflect on these themes and join in the celebration of the vibrant life that surrounds them in Back Cove.

At the heart of TEMPOart’s latest installation, “Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People),” are the creative minds of Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, known collectively as The Myth Makers. This blog post offers a glimpse into the lives and work of these internationally renowned artists, shedding light on their unique collaboration and artistic journey.

Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein bring together a profound love of the wild and an appreciation for the natural world. Dodson, a graduate of Wellesley College, is currently a Resident Scholar at the Brandeis University Women’s Studies Research Center and a Visual Art Fellow at the St. Botolph Club in Boston. Her fascination with the mysterious nature of birds fuels her imagination and artistic expression.

Moerlein, a Dartmouth College and Cornell University alumnus, is a lifelong art educator and community activist. His inspiration often stems from natural events that leave indelible visual marks, igniting a narrative chord in his artwork.

A Journey of Creativity and Collaboration

Dodson and Moerlein have completed over 50 projects in the past 13 years, working across 18 states and internationally in Switzerland, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Their monumental, ephemeral sculptures, crafted from natural materials, are designed to be site-specific and temporary, creating a unique dialogue with their environment and audience.

Their work has received national recognition and numerous accolades. Notably, The State of New Jersey Senate and General Assembly praised their Phoenix Festival for bringing honor to Camden. In 2017, their project “The Dance” was highlighted when the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum received the National Medal for Museum Service. Artnet and the Huffington Post named their “Avian Avatars” the most beautiful art show in New York City in 2015.

Creating “Dancing for Joy”

The collaboration between Dodson and Moerlein for TEMPOart’s “Dancing for Joy” is a celebration of nature, community, and love. This twenty-foot bamboo sculpture of two great egrets performing their mating dance symbolizes not only the local birdlife of Back Cove but also the dynamic movement of people within this cherished space.

The artists’ creative process began with a deep understanding of the local environment and its inhabitants. Dodson’s inspiration from birds and Moerlein’s narrative-driven approach combined to create a piece that is both visually stunning and rich in meaning.

In interviews, Dodson and Moerlein share their excitement about the project and its impact. “We wanted to create something that not only reflects the beauty of Back Cove but also engages the community in a meaningful way,” says Dodson. Moerlein adds, “The great egrets, with their flamboyant mating dance, perfectly symbolize the joy and freedom we wish to celebrate through this installation.”

“Dancing for Joy” by The Myth Makers is more than just a public art installation; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, the beauty of nature, and the spirit of community. As we prepare to unveil this magnificent sculpture, we invite you to join us in celebrating the artists behind the masterpiece and the vibrant creativity they bring to Portland.

Follow The Myth Makers:
Website https://www.themythmakers.org/
Instagram @themythmakersblog
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Myth-Makers/

The Portland Press Herald recently interviewed Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein of The Myth Makers, the artist team behind TEMPOart’s 2024 commission Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People). We love this excerpt here from the interview sharing how a site visit inspired the piece that will be landing June 13, 2024.

Read the whole article “Meet the artists (and the egrets) coming to the Back Cove this summer” on Portland Press Herald or below.

“How did you conceptualize this piece?

Moerlein:
We always start every piece that we do with site visits. It’s really important for us to be connected to the site and make sure that whatever we decide to build is connected to the site. So we drove up on a beautiful day and hiked around the trail. It was in the fall, and it was really exciting to see the great egrets were in such abundance. It was kind of odd. We hadn’t seen that in a while, that many of them. We must have counted 10 or 15 of them. Of course, it was in the fall, and it must have been all the babies were out. But it was just delightful. We saw them and were just very intrigued. And we looked at the site, and it’s well located. The beauty of doing the great egrets is they’re white. They’ll be very visible against all sorts of surfaces, but they’ll also have that ephemeral, translucent quality that our sculptures have.

And we always try to attach an avatar, a person that somehow represents the extravagance of the bird or the unique qualities. … With the great egrets, it came to mind the couple that was the first couple to be married under the same sex law. What was really interesting about that was that law was enacted by the will of the people. The people refused to let it get smothered in the Legislature. … So they put it on a citizens petition, and it was put on the ballot.

The idea basically is a blending of the joyful dance of the great egret and the joyful dance of the great egret and the joyful response that society has when people are allowed to marry who they love.

Dodson: It’s a Portland, Maine, story. Public art, it often has a purpose. It’s not just decorative. The work we do allows us to often draw upon local stories and tell them or retell them or bring them to light in new ways, and that’s really important.”

David Wade took these amazing photos of our special evening preparing for “Dancing for Joy” to land on Back Cove Trail in June 2024. Thank you for being catalysts for public art! We look forward to seeing you at the Community Opening Thursday June 13 from 5-6PM.

Announcing Dancing for Joy
Presentation by The Myth Makers

Performances by
Holly Taylor, Liz Mulkey, Kristen Stake, & Hannah Wasielewski
Choreography by Holly Taylor in collaboration with dancers

Media Partners
Portland Media Center, Portland Press Herald, Munjoy Hill News, David Wade

Design
Better Yet Design, Loquat, Anna Siegel

Thanks to Amy Paradyz for covering Catalyst 2024, a wonderful evening supporting public art!

The birds are coming.
That was the key message of TempoArt’s Catalyst fundraiser

Amy Paradyz, Portland Press Herald

TEMPOart is thrilled to announce our 2024 commission, Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People), by The Myth Makers, landing on Back Cove Trail in June 2024. On our blog, we will be sharing progress updates as these artists create this new piece just for Portland, ME, as well as background on how this piece came to be. You can learn about the history of the Back Cove Trail site here, and read on to hear from the artists what in spired them to create Dancing for Joy (By the Will of the People) for our community. We can’t wait to see you at the Community Opening on June 13 5-6pm!

Excerpts from The Myth Maker’s project proposal (the full proposal is available below):

“During our site visit to the Back Cove Trail and Park, we noticed several bird species lingering in the water and on the shores of the cove that border the inlet to Casco Bay such as Cattle Egret, Great Egret and Double-crested Cormorants. While doing further research, we took great delight in learning more about the festive display of feathers by the Great Egret in the mating dance.

We know many families begin their relationship with Maine by summering there, then they find themselves falling in love with Maine, and eventually moving there and calling it home. Our proposed sculpture will feature two monumental great egrets performing their distinctive mating dance on the shores of the Back Cove. This duet symbolizes the local bird life of the cove and the way people move in and out of and connect to this special place.

Great Egrets are flamboyant and vivid. Each spring they grow extravagant plumes and leap with abandon to attract and impress a mate. They are remarkable birds that develop adoring relationships, gently sharing all nesting and child care duties.

This work will be a meeting place, a place for children to play in and run through. A glittering silver white and nearly 20 feet tall, it will be a beacon, visible from many views along the Back Cove trail.

Dancing for Joy is designed for all ages. The doorways are a variety of sizes. Which entry suits you? Can you dance your best show off prance through the display of the Dancing Great Egrets?

This installation is dedicated to the freedom to marry who you love. These sculptures celebrate the will of the people to democratically transform society. In 2012 Maine became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote.

We will pre-build off site our two lightweight bamboo sculptures with natural materials, wire ties, repurposed and reused materials. Each sculpture is attached to a wood base made out of pressure treated lumber. Our methods are suitable for all seasons, strong and resilient in all types of weather and will stand up to public curiosity and interaction as designed. We will transport the two sculptures to the site and anchor them into the ground using a combination of earth anchors and gravel ballast that will fill the two wood bases. Once in the park we will augment the tall sculptures with wings that will be punctuated by arched doorways, creating an open but architecturally enclosing space that will invite playful interaction for all ages.”

You can read the full proposal from The Myth Makers below, along with their CV and previous project examples.