Preliminary Moment

Preliminary Moment

Vinyl and Tape on Glass
10’ x 40’
Philadelphia International Airport
Curated by Leah Douglas

In everyday life, it is rare that we feel exhilaration to the point of being humbled. Regardless of having flown hundreds of times, flying has never stopped feeling that way for me.  When I am in the plane, cruising at 30,000 feet while waiting for the drink cart, life seems rather mundane. But the moment I feel the plane begin to pick up speed and my seat tilts back, I realize that I am participating in an act that would have baffled my ancestors, far beyond the mundane. These thoughts briefly, but regularly, flash through my mind as I feel the sensation of leaving the ground. 

I love that moment. It is simultaneously full and empty. Few experiences can compete. I spent a lot of time thinking about that moment when I began exploring ideas for this installation. 

How do I visualize that sensation? What symbols would give reference to that moment? 

How can I create an interaction with the viewer where they feel the excitement, the disorientation, and the beauty in the preliminary moment of flight?