Migration: A Designed Scientific Installation
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The Concept
Migration is a designed scientific installation inspired by the Sullivan's Island Maritime Forest, has been endangered by the threat of deforestation for several decades. Migration pays homage to the monarch butterflies that migrate through Sullivan’s Island each fall, stopping along the maritime forest as they journey south.
Fabrication
An aluminum frame overlayed with vinyl mesh that functions like a butterfly enclosure. Inside are monarch butterfly chrysalises which will hatch and be released into nature. I worked with Spencer Kerce, a local fabricator, to bring my hand-sculpted design to life.
Installation
Using ground spikes, the installation is anchored along the tree line of the Sullivan's Island Community Garden, next to the Edgar Allan Poe Library and the SI Elementary School. Each morning, I installed any new monarch chrysalises by gently pinning their silk to the mesh overlay. In the evening, I released any hatched monarchs to continue their joinery south.
About the Caterpillars
This are installation had critical biological components: will the butterflies lay their eggs where I want them to? And will the caterpillars survive to adulthood?
Using my plots in the community garden, I nurtured a few dozen milkweed plants of different varieties, the only plant monarchs will lay their eggs on (and the only plants caterpillars will eat).
I scoured my milkweed plants daily to collect and protect monarch eggs and caterpillars. I was able to place about 150 chrysalises into the sculpture, harvested form my own garden beds.
Getting the Word Out
Postcards
I created a series of postcards, then spent several afternoons placing one in every mailbox in the entire town.
Signage (Street-Facing)
Set along the road, this sign invites visitors to venture off the road and into the community garden, where Migration can be discovered
Signage (The Beds)
Alongside each garden bed are posts about the milkweed inside, the plant essential plant for the monarch caterpillar.
Signage (Welcome)
Step inside.
