Hughen/Starkweather, Clip from Sea-Winnowed Light, Video, 9:30 minute loop, 2023

Spending time gazing at light reflections on a body of water has been shown to calm and harmonize human brain activity and create a meditative state. However, this nine-and-a-half minute continuous shot of light and shadows reflecting off water — made with no edits or filters — is not a calming meditation. The reflections and shadows hint at violently shifting landscapes and the horrible beauty of amplified colors of the sun and sky during a wildfire. 

In the face of climate uncertainty and anxiety about the future, self-care is recommended, including meditative contemplation and time in nature. But this requires time and resources that are increasingly accessible to privileged few. This video was shown as part of Keepers of the Fire: WATER organized by For-Site and curated by Veronica Roberts. More about that event can be seen here.