(2018)

Linen and raw silk dyed with madder root, indigo, sandalwood, rabbit brush, and cochineal, micaceous clay base, glass dome, elm stump

This remediation pillow was made in collaboration with TWU and Trametes versicolor and given to the soil at the Farmer’s Market site in Española, NM. Soil tests taken from this vital community site have been found to contain high amounts of RDX (research department explosive). This powder has landed at the site from routine weapon detonation tests done by Los Alamos National Laboratory throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. To this day, this explosive continues to permeate the soil and accumulate in the food (plant tissues) that grow on-site.

The imagery on the quilt was developed through conversations with TWU. It was the wish of the community that the Corn Mother would be honored, as well as the Four Directions. Furthermore, the chemical composition of RDX is embroidered, but can be seen going through a break-down being transformed into nitrogen. On May 7, 2018 this pillow was given to this site in a community performance.

Target contaminant: Cyclo-1,3,4-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine, more commonly known as RDX (research department explosive). A chemical with widespread application in munitions. It is used as a component in propellants, detonators, bombs, grenades and a wide variety of other military ordinances.

Impacts: Acute health effects of RDX involve the central nervous system (CNS), gastro-intestinal system (GI), and adrenal system. Acute effects include hyperirritability, nausea, vomiting, generalized seizures, and prolonged amnesia.