Here's the story about Trash Castle and the journey from here to there...from this to that...from Kehoe Beach to Huntington Beach...
It may be a stereotype but glamorous “fake” fingernails seem so very SoCal…so we knew we had arrived, when the first plastic we found in the sand at Huntington Beach was not one but two plastic nails.
It is the unexpected finds like those that keep us intrigued and energized to continue the crazy work of picking up plastic. Plus, it is the fun in making a difference in our community and on the planet that brings us and so many people out for Coastal Clean Up Day, to be a part of the Orange County Coastkeepers Day of Action, to join forces with others to just do something...just do one thing...
In 1999 we forged an artist partnership that we call One Beach Plastic to work with plastic found on Kehoe Beach. Since then, as our collection of plastic has grown, we have grown as individuals and as collaborators. Now after so many years, we understand the challenges and pleasures of working with each other and we have worked successfully with many others who have helped to enlarge our project, adding other circles to our set. We appreciate the lively conversations that ensue when problem solving big issues about installations and exhibitions. As we like to say, we play well with others.
In June, we were contacted by the CalTrans Stormwater Public Education Campaign — an initiative with the message of connecting-the-dots from street to the tideline; from the gutter to beach. They wanted a "Trash Castle."
We knew that there would be many details to work out when preparing for a visionary project of this scale so we were relieved and thrilled!!! when our proposal made it through all of the hoops, giving us the opportunity to work with CalTrans and a great team of advertising people and filmmakers: D&A Communications, Sagent Marketing, Audacy, and Wingman63.
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| Proposed site |
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| Proposal-Trash Castle from a distance |
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| Proposal-Trash Castle closer up |
On September 1 and 2, the film crew from Wingman63 (Ben, Aaron, Gary plus Andi from afar) arrived to document our our process — you know it’s a big deal when there is a make-up person (Joslyn) with breakfast and lunch provided. After all of the to-do and fretting about what would or would not make the cut we are tickled with the Trash Castle Promo PSA that rolled out in advance of the event.
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| Lookin' good |
Of late, with all of the news of the British royals, castles are definitely in the air. Along with Buckingham, Windsor, Balmoral our “Trash Castle” fits right in to the zeitgeist of pomp and ceremony.
It was a Brit who first said, “An Englishman’s home is his castle.”
“Trash Castle says, it’s time for some planetary housekeeping.”
We’ve been musing about the magic and metaphor of building sandcastles — on the beach when after hours of sculpting, as the tide turns high, with one big wave, the edifice is washed away. Such is the transitory nature that gives a special meaning to the making.
And, so too, with our presentation on 9/17 — after days and days of construction, “Trash Castle” was a here-then-gone 5-hour experience. It was our hope that after spending the morning looking down searching for plastic, Coastal Clean Up Day participants, would look up and would be uplifted as they marvel at the variety and amount of plastic on our castle towers. Although the plastic will endure, “Trash Castle” on Huntington Beach is intended to be ephemeral, remaining only as a memory and as a call to action.
On September 14 we packed up and headed south, driving a cargo van to HB. The super bonus for the trip — a family fest. Judith's sister Janis (Check her blog Shoresweep) and brother-in-law Paul were there to help with the install. Richard's daughter Amelia and boyfriend Greg made the trek from LA to HB to see the TC in place.
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| Out the door |
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| Paul unloading |
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| Carrying the cutlery |
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| Did someone say, "steak?" |
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| Janis and Richard figuring the placement |
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