The Forest of Telescoping Totem Poles is an interactive installation consisting of five inflatable totem poles that grow organically from a large central artery. The large dormant artery sculpted from rubber-coated rip stop nylon, flows through the entire installation, framing the five shriveled, upright forms.

Upon entering the installation, the visitors' movements though the Forest trigger the artery to push air into the Totems, causing them to tumesce with a pulsing rhythm. As the Totems rise, they reveal a plethora of rich imagery consisting of a collage of the human condition, merged with the organic shapes that come from plant life and the inner body.

Once the visitor is in the Forest among the Totem Poles and becomes involved in their dance of upward growth, the entire floor is activated by the strong pulsing of the artery. The Totems continue to climb and push towards the ceiling, struggling to reveal their hidden forms… perhaps their destinies… ultimately reaching beyond the ceiling.

By creating shapes and movements that are reminiscent of both plant life and human viscera, the Forest of Telescoping Totem Poles reminds viewers of the unity of the natural world: that which is within them and that in which they live.

• narrative
• fabrication
• video
• credits