Paths and Other Experimental Map Making processes 

is an ongoing exploration of a storytelling through cartographic models. In an attempt to grapple with my own citizenship, my understanding of the authority which to exist within space, and the consequences of migration over both emotional and geographic terrains, each work of this series is an investigation of personal narrative and the retelling of other’s narratives.

When making maps, it is key to understand the cartographic experience as one of reductive rendering: making record of what is unknown by relating it to that which is known. That is to say, if I were going to investigate an unknown path, I would first render the path of least resistance (meaning to avoid known obstacles such as mountains or bodies of water), and then I would account for other known variables (such as an account for human endurance and the necessity of rest breaks or an account for the option to seek shelter). This process of reductive stipulation ultimately dictates a path to follow along a given map.

Paths and Other Experimental Map Making Processes explores this sort of methodology in cartography as it applies to both real physical and geographic space as well as abstract memories, relationships, and emotional states.

Site of Death was a live performance of the geographic coordinates where the body of anonymous immigrant was found along the Texas-Mexico border.

La Tortuga was a live performance as a character named La Tortuga (The Turtle) in which I followed their journey as they packed up their essence and home, and traveled to their destination while carrying it on their back.