Site Specific/Vegetation-Artist Statement/Research

Research
1 http://www.spiritofhealthkc.com/portfolio/chia-seeds-super-food-of-the-future/
Chia, is familiar to most of us as a seed used for the novelty of the Chia PetT, clay animals with sprouted Chia seeds covering their bodies. Little is known, however, of the seeds tremendous nutritional value and medicinal properties. For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running form the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.

If you try missing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Research believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.One of the exceptional qualities of the Chia Seed is its hydrophilic properties, having the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weigh in water. Its ability to hold on to water offers the ability to prolong hydration. Fluids and electrolytes provide the environment that supports the life of all the body’s cells. Their concentration and composition are regulated to remain as constant as possible. With Chia Seeds, you retain moisture, regulate more efficiently, the bodies absorption of nutrients and body fluids. Because there is a greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids, the electrolyte balance is maintained.

2 https://blog.bufferapp.com/why-we-have-our-best-ideas-in-the-shower-the-science-of-creativity

The fact that free-style rapping shows us a high level of creativity, still doesn’t explain why great ideas happen in the shower.
Alice Flaherty, one of the most renowned neuroscientists researching creativity has an answer for us. Another ingredient, that’s very important for us to be creative is dopamine: The more dopamine that is released, the more creative we are, she says:
“People vary in terms of their level of creative drive according to the activity of the dopamine pathways of the limbic system.” 

Especially if you have thought long and hard all day about a problem, jumping into the shower can turn into what scientist call the “incubation period” for your ideas. The subconscious mind has been working extremely hard to solve the problems you face and now that you let your mind wander, it can surface and plant those ideas into your conscious mind.

3 http://omihub.com/blog/why-self-reflection-is-essential-to-personal-growth/

We live in a world that is highly growth oriented. Everyone wants to grow socially, professionally and personally. But while all of us have our fair share of strengths and weaknesses, very few of us really recognize the pathway personal growth by self-reflection and self-awareness. And without personal growth it is almost impossible to grow professionally and socially. Thus it is important to start growing every day and becoming a better version of self before pursuing higher purposes outside.

To make personal growth happen every day, self-reflection is essential. Our fast-paced lifestyle and incorrect prioritization often disables our sense of self-awareness. Not only do we ignore every opportunity of self-reflection, we also tend to ignore any constructive criticism that comes our way. As a result we stop growing to our full potential and rarely ever reach the level of self-actualization. So why not to pursue self-reflection consciously and become more aware of self? Don’t hold back from spending some time with yourself and getting in touch with your true nature every day. It would be the best use of your time and help you grow to your full potential.

Artist Statement

This performance I wanted to focus on self-reflection and enlightenment. I think many people can relate to bathing at the end of the day as a quiet time to think and be alone with your thoughts. Of course, most people are nude when they bathe, but I also think nudity worked artistically because nakedness is also equated with truth, like the common saying 'the naked truth'. I chose chia seeds not only because I think there an important health food, but also because of the effect they have in water. Chia seeds mixed with water create a gel like consistency that is often used to replace egg or gelatin in vegan/vegetarian recipes. I wanted the water to change. Chia seeds absorb twelve times their weight in water and this sparked my curiosity. Chia seeds are also seeds and I thought a seed would be a literal representation of growth. Self-reflection and reflection in general is essential for growth. Seeds are the primary ingredient for a plant to grow, the other two ingredients are water and light. The song I chose is Water Me by FKA Twigs. Though it is primarily a love song, I thought it suited this project because the lyrics address personal growth.