Sherri Cornett
  • HOME
  • WORKS
    • TRANSFORMATIONS
    • FREEDOM SERIES
    • PUBLIC ART
    • GROTTOES
    • CHRYSALIS
    • COLLABORATIONS
    • LENS BASED ART
    • ANCESTRESSES & WISE WOMEN
    • SEAFORMS
    • SHELTERS
  • PROJECTS
    • TRANSFORMATIONS at Kirks for Kirks
    • UNITAS youth art and leadership
    • WHAT IS IT ABOUT MY MEMORY Community Engaged Installation >
      • MEMORY CARDS What Is It About My Memory
      • SOMAS What Is It About My Memory
      • EXHIBITIONS What Is It About My Memory
    • FOOD and CULTURE HUB East Helena
    • THE 2020 AWAKENING BILLINGS For Freedoms 2020 >
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Robert Hall on Blood Quantum
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Indigenous Voices Films and Filmmakers Panel
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS MMIP Community Gathering
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS REDRess Exhibit
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Seeing Patterns Exhibition
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Related Events
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Partners and Presenters
    • FOR FREEDOMS Billings >
      • FOR FREEDOMS Billings 2018 Partners and Presenters
    • COMMUNITY GROVE
    • CONVERSATIONS AMONG WOMEN
    • FLOW Interactive Exhibition and Community Project >
      • EXHIBITION Flow
      • VOICES OF THE RIVER SYMPOSIUM Flow
      • MIXING OIL and WATER Film Night and Discussion Flow
      • WORDS ON WATER: POETRY AND JAZZ IN CONCERT Flow
      • LIVING IN HARMONY ON THE YELLOWSTONE Flow
      • YOUTH OUTREACH Flow
      • READING AREAS MSUBillings Library Flow
      • YELLOWSTONE RIVER CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ANALYSIS Flow
    • POINTS OF MANY CONNECTIONS
    • QUEST Guest Art Facilitator
    • ALTITUDE 3123 >
      • EVENTS Altitude 3123
  • CURATORIAL
    • CHINA Half the Sky: Intersections in Social Practice Art, Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, Shenyang 2014 >
      • ART & ARTISTS/CHINA Half the Sky
      • ART & ARTISTS/US Half the Sky
      • CULTURAL and COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS
      • DELEGATES
      • ESSAYS & ESSAYISTS
      • BLOG Half the Sky
    • UNDOCUMENTED Difference in America Today
    • GUTFREUND CORNETT ART
    • SOUTH KOREA Woman Body Seoul and Gwangju 2012
    • MATRIXXMODULATION Jon Lodge
    • PLANNED PARENTHOOD A Celebration of Expression: An Evening of Wine, Women and Art
    • WOMEN DO IT! Traveling Postcard Exhibition >
      • WOMEN DO IT Gallery
  • WRITING
    • ESSAYS
    • JOURNALISM
    • BLOG Memories and Musings
    • OTHER WRITING
  • ABOUT
    • EXHIBITIONS and EVENTS
    • BIO/CV
    • CONTACT/NEWSLETTER
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SOMAS
What [(Is It) About My] Memory


WIIAMM Home               Memory Cards                Exhibitions

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These soma wall sculptures, symbolic of neural cell bodies, represent particular groupings of memories: 
family, friends, homes, celebrations, travels, favorite songs, favorite books, games, scents, art, flavors, challenges, spiritual teachings, favorite places, . . . Cards with memories hang on copper dendrites radiating out from each soma, connecting to other somas in the installation. This project is in a work in progress, with fifteen - twenty somas planned. Below is a sampling.

SCENTS

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​Wood, paint, box, glassware, fabric, string
18" diameter x 5" deep
​2017

Our sense of smell is deeply connected to memory . . . a  passing aroma quickly connects us to a past experience, a grandfather's cologne, a meal, a parent's garden, cooking with family, happiness, sadness, fear . . . 
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FLAVORS

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Wood, wire, glass bottles, metal charms, paper, string
24 x 26 x 3 inches
2020

Sharing food, cooking for others, traditional family recipes, exploring new spices . . . 
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JOURNALS and LETTERS

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​Wood, wire, paint, fabric, paper, journals, marker
19 diameter x 3 inches
2020


Though I had a young girl's diary in elementary school, complete with a tiny key, I began a more serious journal in 7th grade . . . lists of favorite songs and books, creating emotion and hormone driven poetry, collecting inspirational quotes, responding to life events. These evolved over the years and I have all of them (except one left on an airplane) and also most letters written to me . I have also become the repository of letters to and from my elders, who deemed them important records of their lives. Our brains alter memories over time, but re-reading the recording of events can give us a truer sense of being back in the those times.
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EARTH

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​Wood, metal cans, wire, paint, metal rings, rocks, ribbons, soil samples
33 x 37 x 3 inches
2020

My great-aunt Vera, who lived on the homestead, "the family place," in Texas, told me, that, wherever my family might move or where I might be, I would always have a connection to the land. She saw that in me. At some point, I began collecting small samples of soil, sand, decaying matter along streams to place in vials that now line surfaces in my bathroom, reminding me of moments when I paused to recognize this connection
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ATTIRE

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Wood, wire, paint, fabric, buttons, metal rings, marker
18 x 22 x 2.5 inches
 2020

My maternal grandmother was a seamstress. She and my mother sewed most of my clothes until I was old enough to save up money from babysitting and chores to purchase a coveted pair of jeans or shoes or . . . Sometimes these clothes held treasured memories and it was difficult to part with them. Dresses from special events, boots which had protected my feet over many miles through mountains and forests, my first welding shirt, pants I wore until threadbare during my creative processes . . . 
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SCATTERSHOT MEMORIES 1

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​Wood, metal cans, text, paper, maché, paint, markers, wire, padlocks, keys, paper tags
24" diameter x 5" deep
2017

Our brain can bring up random memories unconnected to present circumstances, our subconscious making less than obvious connections . . . mind pops, déjà vu, providing involuntary, but often interesting paths to follow 
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MOMENTS OF SELF REFLECTION

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Wood, paint, mirrors, wire, fabric, paper
30 x 33 x 7 inches
​2018

Self-reflection often involves analysis of memories . . . what did we do? why did we do it? what could we have done differently? Of what are we proud? what has motivated us? 
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BEACHES

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Wood, wooden box, sea shells, paint, beads, sand, burlap, fabric, ribbon, jute
26" diameter x 5" deep
​2018

I have found that time walking on beaches has often been meditative, assisting me in being present and bringing forth insights . . . the rhythm of the waves, the feel of the different textures of sand on bare feet, the shell that brings forth ideas as in Anne Morrow Lindbergh's book Gift from the Sea
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FORGOTTEN MEMORIES

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Wood, paint, wire, fabric, chain, locks, keys, paper
29 x 32 x 5.5 inches
​ 2018

Why do we forget? Or do we just need stimulus to remember? A friend who shared that memory making? Or are these memories gone through biological, disease processes? 
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TEACHERS AND MENTORS

Wood, wire, paint, paper, suede, ribbon, marker
18 x 23 x 2.5 inches
2020


School teachers, coaches, spiritual leaders, workshop facilitators, passing sharers of wisdom, a witnessed kindness . . .
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WORLD EVENTS

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Wood, wire, paint, fabric, string, paper, metal tags, marker
19 diameter x 2.5 inches
2020

Those times that affected generations, that defined our cultures, that raised us up as community and challenged us and brought us together. 


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BOOKS AND AUTHORS 

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Wood, photographs, text, paint, markers, wire, fabric, metal box, tags
28 " diameter x 5" deep
2017

Stories shared and told through books . . . books that create opportunities to learn more about ourselves, others and the world . . . books that develop our world view . . . books that entertain and divert . . . books that we remember and re-read and relish
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TRAVEL

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Wood, wire, paint, maps, fabric, yarn, string,  luggage tags
29" diameter x 5" deep
2018

Travel memories - visiting our families, on vacation to other communities, states, countries, to national parks or national monuments, for cultural exchanges or educational opportunities . . . 
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SCATTERSHOT MEMORIES 2

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Wood, wire, fabric, paint, aluminum can, paper
29" diameter x 8 "
​2018

Our brain can bring up random memories unconnected to present circumstances, our subconscious making less than obvious connections . . . mind pops, déjà vu, providing involuntary, but often interesting paths to follow ​
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GARDENS

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Wood, wire, paint, fabric, ribbon, strings, seeds, glass bottles, paper, marker
19 diameter x 2.5 inches
2020

My relatives were all gardeners. For food, for beauty. My mother was a master gardener and in each of the many places to which my parents moved, part of the home-creating was developing garden spaces. When I finally settled into a long-term home, the one I am in now, I learned about xeric and hardy and native plants and came to understand the peace and satisfaction in gardening. My mother's last request of me, before she moved into an assisted care facility,  was to take her back to one of her favorite places on earth, Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. The joy on her face as she took in the beauty and bountiful color is a treasured memory. 
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GAMES

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Wood, wire, paint, fabric, string, plastic tags, glass, paper, marker, game pieces
17 diameter x 2.5 inches
2020

To pass the time, to learn, to enjoy, to cooperate . . . with family, friends, classmates . . .board games, street games, card games, word games, trivia games . . .
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HOMES

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Wood, wire, paint, locks, keys, dog tags, photos, fabric, raffia, aluminum can
29" diameter x 4.5" deep

I have lived in eighteen or more houses or apartments over my life, through moves across cities and the country.  Creating a sense of home inevitably creates memories. 
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ART and MUSEUMS

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​Wood, metal cans, painted canvas, paint, postcards, metal can, plastic tags, wire, ribbon, raffia
39" high x 34" wide x 5" deep
​2018

Our visits to galleries and museums and artistic experiences not only inspire us and create soul connections but also create memories . . . 
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PARTIES and CELEBRATIONS

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Wood, metal can, photographs, paint, markers, wire, ribbon, fabric
​22" diameter x 5" deep
​2018

Gathering, celebrating, creating food together, entertaining each other . . . these are often our fondest memories
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ADORNMENT

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Wood, wire, paint, fabric, ribbon, miscellaneous jewelry, marker
21 diameter by 2.5 inches
2020

To show we belong, to demonstrate our individuality, as a connection to another person, to express a belief, to add color and texture to our outward appearance
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MUSIC

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Wood, wire, paint, paper, plastic tags, marker
20 x 25 x 2.5 inches
2020

What are the first songs we remember? What did we listen to when we were relaxing, playing, gathering, on road trips? What songs motivated us, inspired us, made us happy or agitated or sad or were cathartic? What concerts did we attend and with whom? What songs are tied to our history and our collective histories? 
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CHALLENGES

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Wood, wire, metal trimmings, paint, fabric, crushed glass, glue
20 x 22 x 4 inches
2020

The cycles and events that take us into darkness, that question who we are and our abilities to meet change and opportunity, who we need to be to continue to navigate the world
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BELIEFS

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Wood, wire, paint, fabric, ribbon, metal charms, marker
19 diameter x 4 inches
2020

Religion, spirituality, intuition, luck . . .
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FAMILY

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Wood, wire, paint, paper, marker, metal charms, string
20 x 24 x 2.5 inches
​2020

The stories of our ancestors, our immediate and chosen families, how we interacted, cared for each other, disagreed, listened . . . the things we have in common, the ways we are different, the generational memories and experiences that live inside us and influence our world views
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CHILDHOOD ACTIVITIES

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Wood, wire, paint, metal charms, wooden beads, suede, fabric,, ribbon, marker
20 x 24 x 2.5
2020

How did we spend time outside of school? In clubs, in sports, learning new skills, community service?  What ephemera remains from these times? What marked our progress, our experiences? The wooden beads of Camp Fire Girls, Scout badges, certificates, sashes, medals, charms, photos in yearbooks? 
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GATHERINGS OF FRIENDS 

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Wood, metal can, photographs, paint, markers, wire, string, leathers, photographic negatives
20" diameter x 8" deep
2017

​Gathering, celebrating, creating food together, entertaining each other . . . these are often our fondest memories
​
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FAMILY GATHERINGS

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Wood, metal can, photographs, paint, markers, wire, string, leather, photographic negatives
20" diameter x 8" deep
​2017

​Gathering, celebrating, creating food together, entertaining each other . . . these are often our fondest memories
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© 2011 Sherri Cornett
  • HOME
  • WORKS
    • TRANSFORMATIONS
    • FREEDOM SERIES
    • PUBLIC ART
    • GROTTOES
    • CHRYSALIS
    • COLLABORATIONS
    • LENS BASED ART
    • ANCESTRESSES & WISE WOMEN
    • SEAFORMS
    • SHELTERS
  • PROJECTS
    • TRANSFORMATIONS at Kirks for Kirks
    • UNITAS youth art and leadership
    • WHAT IS IT ABOUT MY MEMORY Community Engaged Installation >
      • MEMORY CARDS What Is It About My Memory
      • SOMAS What Is It About My Memory
      • EXHIBITIONS What Is It About My Memory
    • FOOD and CULTURE HUB East Helena
    • THE 2020 AWAKENING BILLINGS For Freedoms 2020 >
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Robert Hall on Blood Quantum
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Indigenous Voices Films and Filmmakers Panel
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS MMIP Community Gathering
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS REDRess Exhibit
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Seeing Patterns Exhibition
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Related Events
      • THE2020AWAKENING BILLINGS Partners and Presenters
    • FOR FREEDOMS Billings >
      • FOR FREEDOMS Billings 2018 Partners and Presenters
    • COMMUNITY GROVE
    • CONVERSATIONS AMONG WOMEN
    • FLOW Interactive Exhibition and Community Project >
      • EXHIBITION Flow
      • VOICES OF THE RIVER SYMPOSIUM Flow
      • MIXING OIL and WATER Film Night and Discussion Flow
      • WORDS ON WATER: POETRY AND JAZZ IN CONCERT Flow
      • LIVING IN HARMONY ON THE YELLOWSTONE Flow
      • YOUTH OUTREACH Flow
      • READING AREAS MSUBillings Library Flow
      • YELLOWSTONE RIVER CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ANALYSIS Flow
    • POINTS OF MANY CONNECTIONS
    • QUEST Guest Art Facilitator
    • ALTITUDE 3123 >
      • EVENTS Altitude 3123
  • CURATORIAL
    • CHINA Half the Sky: Intersections in Social Practice Art, Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, Shenyang 2014 >
      • ART & ARTISTS/CHINA Half the Sky
      • ART & ARTISTS/US Half the Sky
      • CULTURAL and COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS
      • DELEGATES
      • ESSAYS & ESSAYISTS
      • BLOG Half the Sky
    • UNDOCUMENTED Difference in America Today
    • GUTFREUND CORNETT ART
    • SOUTH KOREA Woman Body Seoul and Gwangju 2012
    • MATRIXXMODULATION Jon Lodge
    • PLANNED PARENTHOOD A Celebration of Expression: An Evening of Wine, Women and Art
    • WOMEN DO IT! Traveling Postcard Exhibition >
      • WOMEN DO IT Gallery
  • WRITING
    • ESSAYS
    • JOURNALISM
    • BLOG Memories and Musings
    • OTHER WRITING
  • ABOUT
    • EXHIBITIONS and EVENTS
    • BIO/CV
    • CONTACT/NEWSLETTER