2001 Recycled Art Show

SMUD Art Gallery, Sacramento, CA

“Locus Cœruleus”

Sorry, no photo of this piece. For the record, it was a wall hanging of concentric metal rings from a mini-trampoline frame and junked furniture, put together with fishing line, rubber bands from tire chains, and with a blue plexiglas square in the middle. Although it was in the show, it didn't make the cut for purchase by the city of Sacramento. But the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) people liked it enough that I decided to give it to them.

This year (2005) I happened by the SMAC offices and asked about it, so I could get a photo, but they had no idea where it was.

This being government, I figure it's in that giant warehouse you see at the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” next to the Ark of the Covenant.

The following is the description that was used in the show:

I have a strong belief in the virtue of recycling and reuse, so the premise of this show was irresistible to me (that and the lack of an entry fee) Previously I'd made trampoline frames into an outdoor shower and exercise device, but hadn't turned any into art yet. A simple design of concentric rings suggested itself, with some diamond shapes to keep it from being too static. At the center, a blue plexiglas square is the focal point.

Why the title “Locus Cœruleus”? In human anatomy the locus cœruleus (Latin: blue locality) is a nerve cluster in the brain that is crucial to concentration, alertness, and information processing — qualities that are important to me, especially insofar as I will probably be competing on “Jeopardy!” sometime during the 2001-2002 season. Now you know what the “blue spot” is.

Real-world update:

Not only did I not get on “Jeopardy!” during the 2001-2002 season, I haven't been on yet, despite auditioning every year. I always pass the test, but so far have never been called. The interview and mock-game portions of the audition have been weak points for me. But they're getting better. As of July, 2005, I'm still in the hunt.