segment series
2019-ongoing
The Segment arose while searching for answers and stems from my interest in memory, land, monuments and data. Mimicking the aesthetics of soil profiles - the 4x8 inch brick consists of soil, gravel, sand, and grass seed. Although there is no direct reference to the soil in the region where shootings take place, the custom layered Earth bricks speak directly to the cycle of human life. Using the method of mold making, one layer at a time, materials are added to a mold. The ambiguity in the process reveals a different design each time - speaking to the individuality of human appearance. Exposed layers of Earth are fragile and any outside contributors affect the structure of the object - addressing the fragility of life. Grass seed is used and is a fickle material - stimulating life. As germination occurs, the Segment begins crisp and pristine. Growing to their maximum potential before ultimately leading to death - the cycle of human life. These temporary monuments celebrate and honor Black Americans who have been shot and killed by police officers through connections to place, time, and nature.
Earth Murmur no. 1
The sun and the snow and the rain
and the sleet and the child with
their strawberry ice cream and
the dog peeing and the drunk man
with his warm Coors light and
the runoff water from the garden
all seep into me. The sun and
the pee and the beer warm me.
The strawberry ice cream and the
snow and the sleet and the rain cool
me. But there is no other feeling
than the one after the gentle
collapse and the engulfing spirit
and the flow of violet iron from
your bullet holes cascading down
my Earth layers as I hold you and
you and you and you and you and
you and—
WRITTEN BY ARTIST Ashley M. Freeby
‘Earth Murmur no. 1’ is a poem that accompanies the ‘Segment Series as a takeaway.’