E train WTC comments...

Here are some of the things said during our last cleaning performance that took place on April 17th at the World Trade Center E train station. Angela and I infused random cars as the train would pull into it's final stop and gear up to head back out again. Angela had made a good point that we should leave the passages open and anonymous so that people have the option to leave and inturn be less agressive in outcome. I quickly agreed with her insight. We decided to infuse as many cars as we could in the time of an hour as they arrived and departed.


Comments by spectator/participants:


- "Why are you doing this?"

(We are taking responsibility.)


-"Are you paid or volunteer?"

(We are artists who are volunteering to responsibly intervene in public spaces.)


_"Who do you work for?"

(We work for ourselves and the collective in the mode of collaboration. We are intervening or interrupting what is expected to be seen in the "every day" in a peaceful and hopefully postive way. Also, bringing to mind social issues of women's work, privilege, political concerns, and "art" issues.)


_ "What is that your spreading?!"

(Many people seemed very nervous by us entering the cars and getting staight to work. We were wiping all the hand rails in the car as people were entering with what appeared to be some strange liquid, while wearing bright yellow gloves, and using bright yellow sponges. Quite understandably, with "homeland security" on many people's minds, we had so many intitial reactions. Angela and I worked our best to assure people that they had nothing to worry about, that we're speading lavender essential oil. (Perhaps a priviledge we have being two white women, to be frank.) However, we are working through all the many interesting issues that these projects conjure up and addmittadly assured that the substance we are working with, "lavender," has natural antiseptic and stress relieving qualities and also has an aroma that is very unoffensive to most. Some people are adverse to the aroma, which is why we finally did decide to leave the option for choice to remain in a lavender car or go to another untreated car. Many people seemed refreshed by the time we stepped out. It was very nice to interact with everyone and is always where the most interesting part of this project comes into being.)


-"It smells so good in here!"

(We're very glad to hear this one.)


-"It smells horrible in here!"

(Respectfully, we said that the next car is lavender free.)


-"Thank you."


_"Keep up the great work."

(Thank You. Anyone can take part.)


_"How often do you do this?"

(About once a month or more...)


_"This is inspiring."

(Thanks!)



Over all it was another success. Hopefully, the cars along the line will lastingly provide enjoyment and aromatic relief for the coming days or even weeks!