David Guzman is a multidisciplinary performer, dancer and lichen lover. He has performed in queer bars, traditional stages, parks and forests.
Lichen Party!
6/17-19 11am-1pm at blackholehollow
All are welcome | sliding scale $5-$25 per day donation and/or something to offer the group or the land. No one turned away for lack of funds.
In an era of ecological collapse and species extinctions impacted by unrestricted extraction of the land, what is the value of trying to see the world through the eyes of the more than human? Foregrounding the symbiotic relationship of lichens, Lichen Party proposes that we learn about lichens in order to learn from them by cultivating what artist Zheng Bo calls “ecosensibilities” —”honing our ability to sense and respect the natural forms of life that surround us.” Who are lichens? What would it feel like to experience their sense of time? How might experiencing the world through their perspective change our relationship to each other and the land? Each day will have a different focus of land based practices, slipping from observational inquiry into imaginative, embodied and physical practice. Activities include lichen identification and general facts, sensory walks, performative games, guided meditations, natural dyeing and more.
Day 1:
Presence as a gift
Participants are invited on a silent sensory walk followed by some games that will get us into a mode of experiencing how we can gift our attention and presence, both to each other and the land.
Day 2: Cultivating ecosensibilities / from observing to becoming / embodiment
Participants are invited on a stimulating lichen walk, interwoven with meditative embodiment practices. We will learn about the fascinating world of lichens (biology, identification, history, ecology) and then experience it! Borrowing the phrase cultivating ecosensibilities from artist Zheng Bo, we will be taking our ecological observations and putting them into physical practice.
Day 3: Making/Materiality
We will learn about the history of lichen dyeing and practice dyeing as a gift-based practice that connects people, plants, and ecologies through a burst of color embedded in a shared material.
Accessibility:
We encourage anyone interested in coming who may need accessibility support to reach out in advance to hello@blackholehollow.org or call (917)499-9030. Audio description can be provided by iele, and we encourage participants to bring a support person to accompany them as we navigate different terrain.
PARKING
Parking is available about 20 feet from the main entrance to Black Hole Hollow. There is a gravel road with a slight downward incline from the parking area to the main entrance. If this is not accessible for your needs, guests can also park in the main driveway, which is closer to the gathering space.
ACCESS DESCRIPTION FOR SUNRISE GATHERING
This event will take place near a fire pit on a large grassy area at Black Hole Hollow. It is a short walk of 50-60 steps down a slight incline of about 30 degrees from the main entrance to the fire pit. There are chairs by the fire pit that guests are welcome to use. We will be burning natural, chemical-free incense made from tree resin and oils from lemon flowers and wild roses. This event is primarily an audio experience, but unfortunately we are not able to offer ASL. Audio description is available upon request.
ACCESS DESCRIPTION FOR TREE WALK
This event will involve a long walk around the property of Black Hole Hollow, including stretches on gravel road, grassy paths, and forest trails. Most of the paths are relatively flat, but the paths from the main entrance generally slope downward and there are short stretches with inclines of roughly 45 degrees. The forest trails are mostly clear but somewhat uneven and include small branches, plants and occasional roots that are a tripping hazard. The forest walk also requires crossing a small wooden bridge that is about three feet wide and 10 paces long.
While we have the intention to expand our capacity to support expanded accessibility, we apologize that at this time we are not able to offer ASL support and do not have ADA compliant spaces. We are open to any conversations that might ensure your ability to participate.
COVID Protocol:
In the interest of supporting those with compromised immune systems we will enforce strict COVID protocol. These events will take place outdoors. Please bring proof of full vaccination. Depending on COVID levels at the time of the event, masking may also be required.
BLACK HOLE HOLLOW 