Ben Waterman

Montserrat College of Art Project Description 2011:

The tunnel was made from common materials, things you could easily gather yourself anywhere. Holes were cut in the side of the tunnel so students could provide light for those working inside and also to provide clay when necessary. Between 20 and 45 students worked at a time; working either on the outside or inside of the tunnel for 30 minutes and then switching, totaling 1 hour of participation per group. The duration of the project was from 6pm (dusk) till 10 pm. Approximately 150 students participated in the project. It was wonderful to create an environment and context where anonymous exchange was possible. Since no talking occurred during the project people didn’t know who was providing them with the light to see and the clay to use in order to build their sculpture. The project reflects my deep interest in how the world unfolds around us through the efforts of the many we do not know. Further, the project reflects how story can bind people together. Although the project was primarily ephemeral the experience shared between the participants will bind them together for a long time to come.