Nature and Social Justice in Twenty-First Century Cities

Ladipo, my partner, went to Egypt and brought back a set of three pyramids made of crystals as a gift. I loved them and keep them on my desk at work for protection and as a reminder that I'm in control. The “Love Pyramid” is meaningful to me because it’s a symbol of my partner’s love blended with my affinity towards crystals. I selected this object today as I use these crystal pyramids made of stone within the built environment of my office space. Not only in the way the pyramid is made, structurally sound, but also the material of the pyramid, adds meaning that can be carried into the design of future built environments. Imagine walking into an office or home with a rose quartz wall, or amethyst chairs.

This object is motor, heater, jewelry box.

This object came about because of a vacant lot I bought on the South Side. In hopes of creating an amazing native garden, I began what I now call a performance art piece. I worked on the garden: creating a beautiful space and having conversations with the neighbors, observing changes and talking out ideas with them.

The object has meaning because it collects the stories of the people who live by the lot. It shows their thoughts and allows them to participate in a beautification project. I have come to love the conversations I have with the neighbors and cherish the experience.

This project has been a fundraiser for the garden. People have loved reading the poetry and better understanding Chicago. And getting a more realistic view of the South Side.

I had only ever seen cartoon representations of beaver logs—all pointy ends and stripped bark—before I stumbled across one on the beach. It was thrilling that the real thing was so immediately recognizable.

Walking on the beach has become a semi-regular break on stressful work days and a way that I reconnect with nature. I found the first beaver log in February 2017 and gave it away to a friend as a gift, but soon more followed and the more I look the more I find.

I love natural stone. It's been on my desk since I moved to it. [I'm] unsure who it belonged to before.

Let us grow things, and compost it!

I have really cute pictures with it! I made a cape for the event—my friends queer barn wedding!

I was going to compost it, but decided to dry them and keep them for as long as I take good care of them. I wanted to continue promoting sustainable art. People should grow their art, and cause no harm. Grown, harvested, and compost it!

This bowl is simply clay from the earth and with the human hand, it turned into functional ware. I have carried this object with me for 20 years. It has held keys, soap, money, soup, and much more.

It is the most beautiful object I have.

Taken from a tree in Carr's yard.

Learn more about the exhibition, here.