Climb the tree to be taller than the tree2009

The film shows the journey of a free-climb from the ground to the top of a large conifer tree, ultimately positioning myself above the uppermost branches. The single take provides a firsthand, forearm view of the climb, constantly wobbling and reaching. Balancing above the crown a brief glimpse of the surrounding landscape can be seen before the image cuts out. The original Super 8 film was created by building a special guillotine-like device made from found wood, metal, and foam that locked the camera in place at my wrist. Along with the film, the tree was the site of several works including a photograph and site-specific architectural installation, created during my artist residency at Can Serrat in Spain, October 2008. The work was originally shown as a looping 16mm installation, activated by visitors' presence in the exhibition space.