House on the Hill, Los Angeles, CA, 2014
Live performance
This piece speaks to the politics of intuition and the politics of indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices. It points to the cultural melting pot of spiritual traditions that are reflected within the dialogue and culture of California.
Clark surrounded herself with piles of ‘new age’ books and spiritual texts from many different cultures. She was seated on a Lotus seat, which is Hinduism and Buddhism’s symbol for spiritual purity. She and the Lotus were ritually adorned with many different kinds of flowers, symbolizing the melting pot of the different cultures represented. With a sign she indicated that she was administering blessings. Utilizing an abalone shell and Yerba Santa smudge sticks (referencing west coast Native American traditions) she had each person sit before her, one at a time. She smudged them with smoke. She directed them to hold an issue in their minds and hearts. Then administering bibliomancy, she randomly choose one of the books opened to a page and divinated for their issue. She expounded on each person’s individual message using her skill of intuition.
