PERFORMANCE > self portraits

Hiking in the Sierras at certain altitudes I am delighted to see Letharia vulpine, commonly known as wolf lichen (sometimes referred to as a moss). It is my favorite color of chartreuse green.

The Klamath, Hula and other tribes use the lichen for its bright yellow dye. A digital print from a scanned an illustration drawn by Frederick A. Walpole, was cut out and hand colored before being made into a mask.

Wearing the mask I become Wolf Wearing Wolf Moss Mask relying upon others to carefully guide me or, as in this series of timed self portraits I scurry to find my location and composure before the shutter clicks.