RECESS

We Are The Many

2011-11-13T02:50:00Z

A friend just shared this fantastic folk-rebellion song on facebook. I am shocked it has so few views. This is a really nicely put together piece that encapsulates a number of my personal frustrations with the current state of the Union.

Please enjoy and share. Let's take this country back!

*Update >> Makana played this at the APEC dinner in Honolulu this week! Read the full story here.

Getting stung by the ATF

2011-04-23T20:46:19Z

This is the third post about my recent run in with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). A few months back, several of my sculptures (and a citizen complaint about them) led the ATF to accuse and later define me as an illegal firearms manufacturer and trafficker. Following a five month investigation, the ATF opted not to charge my for my alleged crimes and instead issued a Cease and Desist.

Perhaps the most interesting outcome was that the Cease and Desist letter had to be issued in person, signed and witnessed. This is the story of that brief encounter.

After my case was transferred from L.A. to the local field office I received a phone call from Special Agent Martinez, the agent in charge. Like every call I received from the Agency, her number came up unlisted on caller ID. The number carried the signature of an unassigned VOIP line (e.g. 00-2, etc.), which I am fairly certain they use for easy recording. This theory was solidified on an earlier call when agent asked, mid-call, to call me right back, then rang me with a 000 number and began a line of questioning I assume he'd recorded. Of course, I spoke to them exclusively on my Skype number for the exact same reason.

To get back to story, agent Martinez suggested we meet at 8:40 am in a lot next to a gas station in a light industrial part of town (seen above). A bit dramatic for sure, but assumed ATF agents spend a lot of time working out of their cars like beat cops. So, we exchanged vehicle descriptions and I showed up at the gas station about 15 min early on the morning in question.

At exactly 8:40 AM the gray Dodge Charger I was expecting rolled into the lot and parked inches from my car (drivers door to drivers door). I sat there for about 90 seconds, with no cues (her windows were pitch black), until deciding she was waiting for me to make a move.

I got out and, as expected, she followed suit moments later. This is where the story gets interesting. Simultaneously a huge guy in plain (read: working in the yard) clothes gets out of a truck across the lot and hustles over to meet us. This guy had been there long before I showed up on the scene, and I had completely missed it. While I'm momentarily stunned by this set-up, Agent Martinez casually introduces herself and Agent Thug and pulls out the paperwork.

I felt owned, and I'm still a bit shocked to have been taken so seriously as to require backup; And not just backup, but backup forced to stake out a gas station at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. I suppose these were gun charges after all (as ridiculous as that sounds), and in retrospect I think the agency demonstrated excellent planning and protocol. If I'm ever in a similar situation, I plan to bring a little discreet backup of my own. "Hi Agent Martinez, Agent Thug, I'm Chad and over there in that minivan is my wife and child; my neighbor Bob is at the diesel pump filling his dually, and my mother-in-law is on a plane headed back east that should be passing overhead right about now..."

In all seriousness, the agents were very professional and cordial. I signed the letter and a property release claim, and took copies for my records. I left feeling very relieved, but also very aware at how entirely unprepared I was in that situation. I was disarmed by my own trust and the assumptions I'd made about the apparent outcome. Point well taken.

And then there were 12. RECESS chicken COOP - week 28

2011-04-23T18:01:23Z

The RECESS chicken cooperative has been moving along very well lately. The birds endured an unseasonably cold winter and emerged an incredibly productive lot this spring. We are now routinely seeing a dozen eggs per day, making the 10 minutes of daily chores well worth it to our members. Feed cost is stable, and manageable - though we've yet to procure an affordable source for organic feed. And, we haven't had any further trouble with the dogs.

Unfortunately, we had a rather sad day at the chicken coop last week. I discovered one of our Black Star hens dead, curled up underneath the lowest nesting shelf. The cause of death is somewhat of a mystery. I inspected the carcass (and the rest of the flock) and found no glaringly obvious signs of illness, physical attack, or other duress.

A volunteer reported to have seen a snake in the chicken yard a few days prior. It's possible the snake may have frightened or even bitten the hen, leading her to hide under the roost and die. This seems concurrent with the only physical anomaly I did spot: a small dark purple/black "bruise" a few inches from the dead bird's vent. Perhaps it was a snake bite? I have no idea. What I do know is that we have been having an incredibly dry spring, and the chickens' water tray may have lured in a rattler.

The dead hen also appears to have lost a number of feathers near the site, although this may have been due to decomposition, since she appears to have spent ~2-3 days on the hen house floor before I found her. If any chicken experts derive an alternate theory from this photo of the bird's carcass, I would love to hear it.

Is it illegal to build a homemade shotgun? Yes. Will you go to jail? Maybe.

2011-04-18T04:27:27Z

Five months ago one of my sculptures was seized by the ATF. Agents visited my art dealer with orders to confiscate "Improvised Shotgun - White" following a citizen complaint. The citizen/agency questioned the legality of the manufacturing and trafficking of the alleged weapon.

Last week, the lengthy (and undoubtedly expensive) investigation was closed. While I held my breath, ATF engineers spent months - or maybe just a day - attempting to fire a standard 12 gauge round through my improvised shotgun sculpture. In the end, they met with success.

While I have yet to see any evidence that the sculpture was successfully weaponized, the BATFE has informed me that they have classified my sculpture as a firearm, placing it within jurisdiction of the infamous Gun Control Act (GCA). Hence it would appear that, the act of making the sculpture and my transference of said sculpture to art gallery in Los Angeles was illegal.

As outlined by the letter you see here (click to enlarge), the ATF considers my actions "unlawful manufacture and transfer of firearms" which carry the penalty of "imprisonment for not more than 5 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000." So, why am I not in jail? In a word; context. I am not an arms manufacturer, nor am I an arms trafficker - I am an artist. Fortunately, the ATF appears to agree.

Is it illegal to manufacture firearms and traffic them across state lines without proper permits, etc.? You bet it is; and I would highly recommend that you do not try this at home. However, given the context of my unique situation a decision was made to pass on enforcement of the crimes I allegedly committed. (I continue to maintain that there was no actual crime.)

In an earlier post I remarked that questioning, researching and debating the laws we are forced to live by is the very essence of a democratic state. As an artist, I routinely push against boundaries, conventions, and in this instance, the GCA, in order to ask difficult questions about my life and the world around me. My art is speech, and my speech is protected. I can only assume that this was the rationale that led the ATF to issue me (in person) a cease and desist and take no further action.

This simultaneous vilification and vindication has been nothing short of inspirational. I am proud of the ATF for making what I believe is a sensible call, and thankful to not be engaged in a lengthy legal battle over the nature of my work. Whereas I am disheartened to lose the sculpture, since the BATFE has refused to return it to me, I will be writing it off as an unrecoverable business loss in 2012.

On a very personal note, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and faith in my work. This experience has reaffirmed that by continuing to ask questions and following my ideas to their natural end - regardless of difficulty or intimidation - I will inevitably find moments of truth and beauty.

*I am continuing to seek hard evidence (photographic/video) that the sculpture in question was successfully weaponized in the BATFE lab. If/when I obtain this, I will post a follow up.*
In the meantime, I would like to remind anyone reading this post to read the disclaimers on my Project Statement Page and do your own research before undertaking any actions that may be dangerous or illegal where you reside.

RECESS Chicken Cooperative - week 6

2010-11-24T04:43:03Z

It's been a full month since I last posted about the lovely ladies in the RECESS chicken co-op. The weather has chilled, the days have grown shorter, and the hens have truly settled in for the winter months. I'm happy to say it's been a really great month.

To quickly recap; we had a bit of trouble with a dog in the first week. A few of the hens were injured, and there were serious concerns that our flock of 13 birds would become 12. Our flock is now holding strong at 14. The injured hens have miraculously recovered and we added a small black rooster. For $5, the little guy was worth his weight in gold. Making up in attitude what he lacks in stature, he has given the hens added confidence that I believe has led to a rise in production.

Considering the cool weather, relocation, and rocky beginning I couldn't be happier with our present results. Egg production has been steadily climbing, with our group averaging 8-10 eggs per day as of this week. We've been feeding the birds a diet of layer pellets, supplemented by occasional treats and table scraps.

Until now, I have been paying as mush as $5 per dozen for cage-free local eggs. With feed cost close to $9 per week, we're pulling a dozen eggs for just under $2. Of course, my sub-$2 dozen ignores our initial hen-house investment ($35 each), and the cost of grown hens ($20 each), but these costs should be easy to recoup over the life of the birds. For my family's investment, our break even point should happen mid-spring, or sooner, depending on the total egg volume we see once the weather improves again.

The shared labor model is looking like another early success. The co-op members have been diligent about egg collection and care, and our hen house has seen a few minor upgrades as we've each approached the facility with different priorities in mind. I personally visit the coop 1.5 days per week, with my "chores" taking about 20 min. to complete. I could shave that down to ten minutes, but in all honesty, I dawdle. Checking in on the chickens is often the highlight of my day.

The intangible rewards of chicken rearing may prove to be the greatest benefit of this experiment. In many ways this low-risk, informal engagement with the traditions of chicken farming has awakened a connection to my food long forgotten. Every egg is a reward, and each small increase in production is tremendously gratifying. Our birds are neither pets, nor are they living, breathing egg factories. They are valuable workers, providing for my table as I provide care and respect for their production and well being. The significance of our symbiosis resonates so deep within in me that I have begun to accept the act of raising livestock as an essential human activity.

Is my experienced shaped by ignorance, factory-farm induced guilt, or the obvious romanticism associated with backyard chicken farming? Maybe so. Regardless, one thing seems clear as we head into week 6: the neighborhood chicken co-op is feeling very viable as model for localized egg production. Over time, I hope to generate enough data to solidify this hypothesis and establish a functional template for the creation of your own urban chicken cooperative.

BATFE: Stealing my art, violating speech and wasting your money

2010-11-19T06:40:56Z

Today, officers from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives in Los Angeles walked into Mark Moore Gallery and confiscated one of my recent pieces; "Improvised Shotgun: White."

The officers also requested the current location and bills of lading of recently shipped work of a similar nature. I assume they plan to seize these works as well. The receipt for the initial seizure is shown below.

As of this posting, I have not received any official complaint, cease & desist, nor notice of any kind from the BATFE. Likewise, they've made no requests pending on other pieces in my growing body of RECESS work.

I assume that the actions of the BATFE are a misguided attempt to develop evidence against me for alleged crimes they believe I have committed.

As I have made clear on this blog, other internet sites, and through my demonstrated exhibition record and career - I am an conceptual artist. My highly public and often controversial works have at time created both challenging and meaningful public discourse. This is the nature of my purpose.

The seizure of my works is a seizure of my voice, and a terrible injustice. I believe the actions of the BATFE today are a violation of my first amendment rights, and an act of overt theft. I am saddened and deeply disgusted that in the midst of this terrible recession, Federal tax dollars are being spent to stifle my rights, seize my work, and question my patriotism.

Everything you can learn about me is here. It is in the combined effort of my labor and the illustration of my ideas. My works are my words, my passions, and my livelihood. Draw your own conclusions and pass this along if you refuse to believe in an America where questioning culture is a crime.

*Update* as of 1/27/11 the BAFTE has taken no formal action against me, nor have they returned my sculptures.

Whereas I personally feel this investigation is a shameful waste of federal funds, an obvious positive outcome is evidenced in the number of blog and forum posts spawned by this initial posting. I've said my piece on the issue, and I am glad to see others doing the same. Questioning, researching and debating the laws we are forced to live by is, in my opinion, the very essence of a democratic state.

WTTNSHTFK is this?

2010-11-03T22:41:53Z

Do you have a magic tool box to help you weather the apocalypse? What about your nearest neighbor? Are they ready for TEOTWAWKI?

I am not an expert survivalist, I am a student as much as I am a practitioner. My ideas and skills benefit from the collective experience and shared knowledge of my predecessors and I am grateful for their generosity.

One of the next steps in the evolution of this project is the creation and dissemination of "WTTNSHTFK's" or Welcome-to-the-Neighborhood-SHTF-Kits.

The idea is simple: I plan to design a simple and inexpensive preparedness kit and distribute one to each of the houses on my block. The items contained in the kit would aid the neighbor(s) in a short-term crisis, and help the neighborhood band together and endure a long-haul crisis. In a perfect world, the neighbor might bury the kit in the garage and never think about it again. If a crisis arose...the distributed kits would be ready, and my most local community would be stronger as a result. The action of gifting this resource and knowledge may also lead some neighbors to explore self-reliance and preparedness independently.

Ideally each kit would be $25-50, and the shelf life is indefinite. Items in this kit may be intended for combination with common household items, or they may be rare items that will quickly become scarce following a societal collapse.

Here is a short list of items I am considering for the WTTNSHTFK:

a solar or kinetic flashlight
inexpensive water filtration device
signal mirror
flint
waterproof matches
a propane tank valve adapter
a neighborhood resource map
a single 2 way radio tuned to a neighborhood band with extra batteries
seeds for climate appropriate vegetables
a slingshot

For the first time since I launched RECESS, I am asking for your direct comments*. Please consider posting your suggestions for the WTTNSHTFK. What would you include in the kit? What's a reasonable financial investment to make (per kit or total)? How would break the ice with your neighbors?

Comments will remain open on this post indefinitely.
*Please post respectfully. I will delete bigotry, irrelevant remarks, and anything meant to bring harms to others.

Urban Chicken Co-op - Part 3

2010-10-26T02:44:45Z

Today marks the end of the the first week in our chicken co-op experiment, and it was a bit rocky for our chickens.

They are a beautiful group of birds; composed of Black Stars, Rhode Island Reds, and Americaunas. Click the image below for a short video clip getting acquainted with their bucket feeder and the water dispenser (diy coming soon).

With the birds in, the co-op members are very motivated to work together and care for the flock. We divvied up the daily chores for weeks and months to come. We're using a shared Google calendar to manage our time, share egg counts, and record daily reports.

We'd been told to expect the birds to enter a state of relocation shock which would stall egg production for a week or two. To our happy surprise, the hens seemed to have settled in fairly quickly and the eggs are trickling in. Here is an image of the first egg, produced sometime on day 2.

By day 4, the project was looking pretty good. Suddenly, the SHTF (as my prepper friends like to say). On the morning of day 5 that one of the ranch dogs broke into the yard and attacked the flock. This attack is eerily foreshadowed in the video clip above. The dogs you hear barking in the video actually ignore the chickens to bark at the camel (they do that every day). But, if you pay close attention to the second shot in the video you will see a very quiet, very focused puppy watching intently through the gate behind the feeders. She's the one who slipped in.

Immediately after the incident, I and another co-op member performed thorough inspections of each bird. Three hens were injured, and as of the publishing of this post they seem to be recovering well. Each is missing feathers and dealing with some minor related abrasions and swelling. I fear one may not make it, as she appears to have sustained more traumatic injuries. We've been cleaning their wounds and watching them carefully since.

We were extremely fortunate that it wasn't worse, but it was a tragedy nonetheless. Just as the flock was settling in their new home was terrorized by a predator. As a result, whatever comfort level they'd gained in those first 4 days was surely erased.

The real tragedy is that the event could have been prevented. It wasn't the dog's fault that the gate contained a weakness (now shored up). Inadequate planning and our own ignorance led the near destruction of our new flock.

I am disappointed in myself and embarrassed by my lack of adequate foresight. We imagined external predators and made preparations against the likes of coyote, fox, and birds of prey. I for one, had not considered the ranch dogs a threat. That was a mistake met with violent consequences. But, we've learned from this mistake - which is why I felt it was appropriate to add this story to the RECESS record.

Stay vigilant. Evaluate your environment for every point of weakness, then check again. The least obvious threat may be the most likely - and it may be staring you right in the face.

Starting an Urban Chicken Co-op - Part 2

2010-10-19T03:45:23Z

The past two weeks have been filled with a combination of advances and set backs. But, at long last, the chickens will have their day in the sun. The group has decided to purchase grown hens from a local farm and they arrive tomorrow.

I'd promised to post updates on this experiment come success or failure. Thus far, we've had a bit of both.
Motivating the group has been the big challenge. In principle everyone is stoked to raise chicks, control the supply of their eggs and enjoy eating the spoils of their labor. In practice, it's that last word, labor, that has been holding the group up.

We've had two members drop off since we concocted the idea, and two other step in to take their places. And it's been a bit like pulling teeth to bring everyone together and get the work done. Truth be told each of us did some share of the work needed to get the coop ready for tomorrow's arrivals, but it was far from equal. I'm hoping time will make up for this early failure of the shared-work principle. The next test will be the feeding and care schedule.

I've devised what appears to be an equitable method for splitting duties and rewards. Each member is required to pay a predetermined number of trips to the coop per month based on the number of chickens that member owns. When the scheduled member visits the coop to clean and feed, they collect the days eggs. More chickens = more visits = more eggs. If the scheduled person flakes out on their day, someone else will take over the chores and reap the reward of the day's eggs as payment for their time. Feed cost will be shared by each member based on the percentage owned of total hens in the hen house.

Will this theoretically reasonable model for maintenance and care pan out? Only time will tell. I will say this for certain: expect an update later this week while I'm eating my first RECESS omelet.

Skill: Firing a Golf Ball Propaganda Cannon

2010-10-08T06:31:00Z

I used to build this type PVC cannon when I was a kid. Back then I used a tire valve and an electric air compressor to pressurize the chamber and propel the golf ball. These days, my PVC Cannon is adapted for internal combustion (a la potato gun).

You can use just about any aerosol or liquids that out-gas a substantial amount of volatile fumes. I prefer to use starer fluid, whenever it's available.

The combustion chamber has one weak side; a break away diaphragm that opens to the barrel. The thickness of the material used to create the diaphragm controls the strength of the discharge. A few sheets of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a scrap of tarp works quite well.

This design was conceived of as as a "golf-ball propaganda cannon." It's not fast enough to serve as a weapon, but the cannon has great range and uses minimum fuel - perfect for short-medium distance communication.

In a RECESS situation, long after the courses have dried up and the sport has withered alongside the ill-considered Kentucky bluegrass, golf balls will serve as my carrier pigeons. If I aim my cannon downhill, the projectiles have the ability to quickly travel what may prove to be an impossible distance on foot. Short messages written on the golf balls can be used to call meetings, warn allies, send for help, elicit paranoia, or to build solidarity.

I'll produce a proper DIY (with parts list) for an upcoming post.

Starting an Urban Chicken Co-op - Part 1

2010-10-03T22:38:41Z

The big salmonella egg scare a few weeks back led me to think it was high time to start exercising a few of my unused rights. To its credit, our city allows its citizens to raise up to 15 chickens per household (with a one rooster limit). This was a bit surprising when I'd first learned about it a few years ago. Lately, it feels like an opportunity I've been letting go.

Albuquerque isn't a podunk town in the sticks, and my property wouldn't pass as agriculturally-relevant in a pair of worn boots and a John Deere cap. We have half a million people living in neighborhoods packed as dense as any modern subdivision. What's more, I have friends living in the the northern Midwest in a town of 5,000 who have had to lobby their town council to allow backyard chickens - and lost! With this in mind, my wife and I considered the pros and cons and decided to give it a shot.

According to thousands of would-be urban farmers (on the internet), we've entered some type of golden age of backyard chicken rearing. Acquiring the means to production of eggs (and a healthy helping of chicken meat) is a fairly attainable goal. In a RECESS situation, these skills may become essential. However, long before we find ourselves in a RECESS situation we might want to consider that this approach to agriculture - or micro-agriculture - might help to right the ship.

The upfront cost and responsibility may be a deterrent. It's certainly easier to grab a dozen eggs at the market than it is to build a coop and start raising chickens- but is it less risky? I'm also inclined to challenge the notion that producing my own eggs has to be more difficult than throwing down my $3.50 per week for a carton of Iowa's finest.

Rather than to go it alone, I've started what equates to a loosely formed co-op of friends at my place of employment. A handful of us are coming together to rehab an old coop on one member's property (walking distance to the office), brood the chicks, and share the work of tending to the flock. Our hope is that we'll get the maximum amount of return with the minimum amount of investment of time/equipment.

It's the poultry equivalent of a community garden. With any luck, we'll each spend 30 min or less per week tending to a flock of chickens large enough to give us all the eggs we'll need. Perhaps most importantly, we're building a community to grow and share resources, reduce our dependence on outside production, and learn essential skills.

This co-op is an experiment, and I'll post updates as progress or failure ensues. In the meantime, enjoy this picture of Merlin the camel helping me stabilize a beam.

If you are interested in starting your own chicken co-op, you are welcome to download and use our chicken co-op agreement form. An editable .DOC version can be found here.

I'll detail equipment, techniques, and costs as the experiment continues. If you're worried about the legal risks in raising backyard chickens, check local chicken law before you get started.

diy: improvised double barrel shotgun

2010-10-01T06:19:12Z

This DIY double barrel shot gun is a variant of the improvised shot gun that I've detailed in previous posts.

The original design is based on a classic (1969) method from the US Dept. of the Army Improvised Munitions Handbook (TM 31-210). This drawing is a simplified adaptation of those plans.

Here are a few variations that didn't make it into the sketch:

1. A reader suggested using springs to replace the rubber bands. I haven't tried it, but that sounds like a mechanical improvement.

2. The firing mechanism works much better if you bend the strap into a "U" shape instead of an "L", anchoring the device on both sides of the stock. The double barrel version requires two "L" shaped straps if you'd like to discharge each barrel independently. A larger "U" shaped strap/trigger will fire both barrels at once.

3. Another reader suggested that I use pipe clamps or bailing wire to hold the barrels to the stock. Great suggestion - if you have those materials readily available. In a RECESS situation, you may or may not. I chose to go with twine for the simple fact that I am surrounded by plants that could be worked into a crude twine.

*a step-by-step video can be seen here, and you can see this model fire here

*WARNING AND DISCLAIMER: This video/DIY/drawing is for illustration and artistic purposes only, and I highly recommend you consult the above mentioned handbook for guidance. Please do not build this design or attempt to manufacture or use any of the projects shown in the US Dept. of the Army Improvised Munitions Handbook (TM 31-210). Building a weapon of any kind is extremely dangerous and may be unlawful where you reside. Do your own research, and place your safety and the safety of others above all else.

Leaving your Mark

2010-09-14T04:48:11Z

People have been scratching in the dirt and painting on rock walls since the dawn of humanity. There are any number of reasons for doing so, and the rationale behind those rock paintings is still very much a mystery.

These days it seems that mark making is about often about branding. We identify our stuff, ideas, and selves with graphic avatars meant to communicate the whole enchilada within a passive glance. It's a truly universal practice, carried out by the world's most powerful nations and corporations to the most destitute street artists.

I've never "tagged" anything in my life - I swear. Growing up in Farmville, USA doesn't lend itself to that flavor of property destruction. With RECESS on my mind, I tag just about everything I make/own/and use with the symbol you see on this blog.

Why? Symbols can be incredibly important in a time of disaster or crisis. Here are a half dozen reasons I recommend you get one and stand behind it:

Stability - Your mark can be a psychological focal point, centering force, and calm in the storm.
Solidarity - Movements need symbols. They embody the group's message, and can be a powerful talisman for achieving your goals. Sports teams, conquering forces, and unions know this. If you want to build a community in your neighborhood, codify your shared ideals in a symbol unique to that community.
Way finding/Organizing - A symbol can be a sign post, a cairn on the trail to salvation, or a code to suggest passage, safety, or danger.
Hope - I think this point is clear.
Visibility - Whether you are an a unified force of many, or an army of one, a symbol designed to represent and rally that force is a critical tool on and off the field of battle.
Intimidation - Building on the comment above, the wide dissemination of a symbol as propaganda has tremendous potential for intimidation and intentional misinformation. This is particularly true if you are organizing a small community stockpile in a time of crisis - or operating alone.

Before you appropriate any random mark, think carefully about it. Select or draft a symbol that has significance to you. Mine should be fairly obvious. If you break it down you'll see the pool (lack of water), the bunker, a house (home), and a chevron (call to arms).

Make you mark and stand behind it. Own your brand, and own your ideas. Mark everything and get talking. Yes, that's what I said. People ask me about my mark and I tell them what it is and what it means to me. Those folks seem genuinely interested in my principals of preparedness, and I imagine most of them go on to live more vigilant, prepared lives following our brief conversations.

The people you'll need most on the day after tomorrow are all around you. Tell them what you believe in, and do it with conviction and honesty. If fear of persecution or ridicule is stopping us from communicating openly and sharing our ideas with friends, coworkers, and neighbors than maybe the world really will end. At the very least, this mentality (all too common on the prepper/survivalist literature I've read) is eroding the fabric of the communities we live in.

Would you honestly shoot someone for trying to farm your plot of bug-out land (as one blogger suggested)? If I caught someone farming, actually farming land that I owned in a time of critical need, I think I'd set down my shotgun and pick up a tool next to him. Yes, there will be hard decisions to make in a TEOTWAWKI situation. Senseless theft is an altogether different matter, but please don't shoot the farmer.

Would you really turn away a neighbor in a time of need - just because he/she didn't plan ahead? If that's true, than I imagine you believe they would do the same to you. Be accountable for that failure. Take control and possibly prevent that situation today. Be a better neighbor. Talk to your neighbors about preparedness. Help them to prepare; help the whole block. Not everyone will get on board, but you'll have far less to worry about once you know that most the people around you have got your back.

People evangelize much more obscure and controversial topics. Why not this? The mark you leave is of your own making. Do you want to be branded a "wacko" or part of "the lunatic fringe," or would you rather be known as the person who started the neighborhood watch, or talked everyone on the block into investing in a rain barrel? I'll be discussing my community action plans in a series of upcoming posts - stay tuned.

PVC bow

2010-08-16T12:08:34Z

The bow is a truly natural device, with a rich history going back as far as 60,000 years. A simple to build, yet effective tool for hunting or defense, the bow was the gun of yesterday's armies (until gunpowder came along, anyway). It feels effortless in it's design and requires very practically no specialized material or skill to construct.

This design relies on a scrap of PVC, some speaker wire, a piece of pipe insulation and a bicycle seat-post quick release.

The arrows can be fashioned out of any straight stock. These are dowels rods, with parakeet feather fletching. If lacking dowels, one might use sticks, lightweight curtain rods, or tent poles. The quiver is a useless old ArtBin storage tube.

A DIY drawing will be posted soon. If you are looking for another way to lance rabbits check out my arrow gun here and here.

LIVE feed from the RECESS bunker

2010-07-27T02:52:22Z

The RECESS occupation experiment begins on Saturday July 31, 2010.

In this initial experiment, I will occupy the bunker for one week. I will eat, drink, work, and survive with the resources and equipment I have cached; hunting and gathering when absolutely necessary. A live video feed will be displayed at Mark Moore Gallery through the duration of the experiment. When I leave the bunker (on raiding runs) I will document and stream the results via cell phone.

The experiment ends on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2010. Visit Mark Moore Gallery to experience the live show. Recordings will be made available on my website and youtube channels following the exhibit close on Aug. 16, 2010.

This only the beginning.