In late 2016, with help from my social media networks, I started translating “We are all in this together” into many different languages, and then sculpting these translations out of clay. After firing, I started photographing and leaving these ceramic phrases in public spaces. In March 2017, during the Social Objects exhibition at C3:initiative in Portland, OR, a group show of the Socially Engaged Craft Collective, I gave out bags of these letters for people to take and place in public spaces. In July 2018, during an exhibition at Bailey Contemporary Arts in Pompano Beach, FL, I gave out more bags of letters. It is my hope that as I continue with this project, these translations will find new meaningful homes within different communities. Each participant is asked to share a photograph of their installation, and then either leave the phrase there or pass the letters and instructions along to someone else. Thus far, the ceramic phrases have been photographed in communities across the US, and have reached Australia, as well as parts of Europe. The shared photographs can be seen on the @weareallinthistogetherproject Instagram feed.
The three-inch-tall letters can easily be carried and placed in almost any public space. They are somewhat unnoticeable, but once they are spotted, the meaning makes a big impact. Translations in many different languages, public installation, photographic documentation, and the internet, allow these little sculptural letters to carry a big and far-reaching message. I often think of social activist and town planner Patrick Geddes’ statement: “Think Global, Act Local.” Small acts happening in your neighborhood and within your community can reach the other side of the world.
Do you have another translation of "we are all in this together"? Would you like to participate in this project by putting letters out into your community? Click the button below.
