The Naiads

COMMISSIONED FOR THE PUENTE FESTIVAL 2014. 

IN COLLABORATION WITH ZARCO GUERRERO. 

In Greek mythology, the Naiads (Ancient Greek: Ναϊάδες) were a type of water nymph (female spirit) who presided over fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of fresh water. They are distinct from river gods, who embodied rivers, and the very ancient spirits that inhabited the still waters of marshes, ponds and lagoon-lakes."

The essence of a Naiad was bound to her spring, so if a Naiad's body of water dried, she would die. Working with local Mesa-based master mask maker Zarco Guerrero, we created four Naiads combining Vessel’s Transfix with Zarco’s beautifully hand-crafted masks, the synthesis creating something entirely new. Adorned in all-white accented with organic elements--feathers, bones, twigs and other natural elements--the Naiads draw attention to the scarcity of water in a poetic, haunting way. 

Performed by Rachel Bowditch, Kelsi Zahl, Ashley Baker, Julie Akerley,   Stefano de Vita, Celeste Carle, Vickie Hall, Mahya Razavi, Avery Volk, and Jim Nowlin.