Week 2 (5/25-5/31)
Week 3 (6/1-6/7)

‘Project: Warbler’ Preperation

I started off this 2-week preparation session by downloading all the current files linked to the project. Since ‘Project: Warbler’ (not the official title but I will be using until we get closer to the deadline) already had a previous video made, I downloaded the over 500 files and sorted through their content to figure out what was usable, unusable, and what still needed to be collected. I had already gotten ahold of one of IWER’s Lab Managers, Andrew Joesoef, and requested his assistance with collecting drone footage throughout the construction progress at various stages over the summer. However, there was another blaring issue that needed to be tackled immediately.  
 
Already, Megan and I had decided that the interviews were of poor quality (and quite outdated) but upon further inspection of all the files, I realized that the previous videography company hadn’t released the raw interview footage at all. This started the hunt to track down all of the previous interviewees and request a new session to film and record old information as well as collect any updates. Megan compiled ‘must ask’ questions that should trigger similar responses as to what the interviewees stated the first time. She then shared the file with me to review and add any excess questions that I think could be of sustenance to the video. 
 
Another issue I had with the previous video was the lack of images of the individual who this project is dedicated to. Not only was this a video for a massive-scaled installation, but the entire nature of the original video felt disconnected and unpassionate. By reusing the same 3 images of who we will call ‘Warbler’, there felt a severe lack of relationship that absolutely needs to be present in an initiative like this. However, initiating the request for more photos wasn’t the easiest.  

Navigating Sensitive Topics

This project is related to the passing of a young, loved one which made requesting materials and interviews a new obstacle for me. I didn’t want to upset anyone or step on any toes which brought a mix of anxiety and pressure to the project. I know in my professional career, there is always going to be a hard conversation that can’t be avoided so long as I want to progress, but necessity doesn’t always equal ease. 

Maybe this comes with the inherent nature of being in an art field though. Human emotions and raw connections are essential in making a meaningful art piece and capturing the love that the family has for this late individual is my number one driver for this project.  

I am grateful that the family has been responsive and open to combing through old photos of the deceased. They sent me around 100 new photos and requested that we compiled them into an organized manor that they inquired to be accessed at the memorial site via QR on a plaque. I am not a part of the construction team so I don’t know if this will be implemented yet.

A Heartwarming E-mail

**Redacted for privacy**