http://www.ephemeraweb.org/journal/5-X/5-Xindex.htm
http://www.communityarts.net/readingroom/archivefiles/2006/03/transsiberia_an.php

The Box

The particular challenges of a trip like THE MOVING MIND had also to do with luggage: we cannot carry a studio around, so there are limits to the volume and weight imposed by such a travel. Our solution was to build a box and fill it with tricks!

The BOX is made of thin marine plywood (for strength and weight), size 36 H x 19 W x 9 D, mounted on wheels, covered with a FUTURE IS ON THE TABLE poster.

The TRICKS are:

(1) A table made of corrugated cardboard, epoxied (for stiffness), and foldable as the bellows of an accordion. TWO BELLOWS, one (dark) sky blue, the other earth color. Unfolded, said bellows are asymmetrical, stand at different angles and height, and can be used either as supports for two, separate, smaller tables or as "legs" for a larger table-like structure.

(2) A TABLETOP, of cardboard as well. Epoxied white, imprinted with a painterly rendition of the itinerary, from Moscow to Beijing, all train stops spelled out. In the shape of a half slice of Gouda cheese! Hinged so as to fold and fit in the box.

(3) A TABLECLOTH made of bits of fancy, old, handmade lace. May be used as tablecloth for the large table or, when bunched up, as top for one of the small tables, or any other way depending on the performance.

(4) A set of miniature, antique silver SPOONS, to evoke a formal table set.

(5) A series of six mounted PICTURES, as large as the box can take, representing the participation of the international artists and groups in THE FUTURE IS ON THE TABLE #3 and CDs and TAPES from all.

(6) Life-size pictures of three of the STOOLS we have sent to above-mentioned participants to our project. Pictures because, for sure, the real stools would not have fit in the box. Briefly, the stools were sent as introductory presents to start a conversation on globalization, focused on water and shelter as basic universal rights. Each stool is a piece of a puzzle representing the world. At the end of the project, when all the stools are back together, somewhere, our map of the world will be whole again. Along with all the projects generated in the process. A new temporary map,

(7) A set of TWO SCROLLS, hundreds of feet long. Both hand painted. ONE, in color, contains questions and thoughts proposed by Charlestonians where we live, about the MOVING MIND, the cities visited, the cultures encountered, the folks met during the trip. As if we were ambassadors for our friends left behind. THE OTHER, in various shades of grey, was added in November. It bears some answers to said questions. Plus facts, figures and new questions about the MOVING MIND, as a trip, as a human experience, as a learning/unlearning process.

(8) MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS like Scotch tape, paint, brushes, clips. You name it; we may have it in our box full of tricks.

Would you like to participate in "The Future is on the Table #3" and receive the last stools available? The deal is still on. Shipping and handling charges are on us. E-mail us at: jemagwga@knology.net