the first posting

welcome to the the clarifier project. the blog is new. the project is begining to gain momentum.

beginning in october on 2004 this website will post articles and photos related to the project and will of course welcome imput from you as the project begins to unfold.

the clarifier project is multi-layered . (as most things tends to be.)

as a 'thing' the clarifier is cement cylinder approximately 70 feet in circumfrence. it was originally used in some capacity in the process of waste water treatment. the details of this process are not know to me. before the project began, there lived within the giant 'cup,' a blender that would stir the contents. now, however the inside is filled with debris from a former cement block building, rock and dirt. that is it, a cement round thing about 12 feet tall filled with rubble and dirt.

as an 'idea,' the clarifier project was launched as a way to bring a community together. it is an artful community collaboration. based on the sucesses of the 'lyons mural project' we saw it as a way to bring art making to the town of lyons. we want to create an art park that the people of lyons could feel that they were a part of.

we have a reverance for the space and it is our intention to allow peace to grow there. for it to become a place where people can come for regeneration and calm, regardless of the stink. (the new wastewater treatment facility is not far away)

once the 'thing' and the 'idea' came together and played within the minds and hearts of a handful of residents, the next idea arose: to create from this 'round house' a garden of animals, birds, fish and plants, a harmonious cohabitation, a diverse and peaceful managerie.