Here is a brainteaser: What are Art in Odd Places 2010 artists Heather and Thomas doing in this picture? Your choices are:
a) Fishing
b) Hanging out on the Hudson River. Fishing rods are the new cool item for the fall
c) Their project called Hydrophony
No, you can’t use your lifeline. The correct answer is C, Hydropony. Hydro what? Exactly. We all know New York is a lively city. What Heather and Thomas are sharing are other sides (to be exact: the east and the west side) of what this great city has to offer. Julie Andrews might say “the hills are alive”; Heather and Thomas definitely concur, but would also respond “so are the rivers”. Their project brings a great question: if the Hudson River could talk, what would it say? Well, I guess you just have to look out for them and hear the answer yourself. I do hope it won’t in the voice of Julie Andrews.
Let’s get to know Heather and Thomas
AiOP: Tell us about / your group?
H&T: Heather is an information artist and Thomas works with moving images. We both love working with sound and so our collaborations always explore this connection.
AiOP: How did you hear about Art in Odd Places?
H&T: Heather: Last Autumn I was walking down 14th st with a friend from out of town when a swarm of people descended upon us wearing sweaters covering their entire bodies and carrying signs. We couldn’t figure out if it was supposed to be a protest or an art happening! This year when I saw the call for entries in NYFA I put two and two together.
AiOP: What made you decide to submit a proposal for the Festival?
H&T: We had a mutual interest in exploring the idea of bringing the waters framing 14th st to the land.
AiOP: How is the preparation coming along for your piece this October?
H&T: Good, we are beginning to test the equipment and ourselves this weekend. Thanks to the curators for all their help!
AiOP: What’s your favorite spot on 14th street?
H&T: We are partial to Curly’s vegetarian lunch on 14th b/t 2nd and 3rd ave.
AiOP: Do you have a hidden talent you would like to share?
H&T: Tom likes to shred heavy metal style on the guitar.
Heather is an expert vegan chef.
AiOP: Any message to the people who will be in 14th street during the festival?
H&T: We hope that you all tune in to our live webcast and come see us in person if you can.
AiOP: What should people expect from your project during the festival?
H&T: Good question! We aren’t quite sure what to expect ourselves… it is about chance after all!
AiOP: What’s the strangest encounter that you’ve had as pedestrian living in New York
H&T: Hmm. Perhaps the strangest was stumbling upon a ride across the Gowanus canal on a homemade canoe! (Not for the faint of heart)
AiOP: What do you hope to bring to the festival?
H&T: The rivers!
AiOP: Where do you live? (as in borough or city)
H&T: Bushwick, Brooklyn!!
Visit their website http://www.hydrophony.com/ to find out their schedule during the festival.
