IN 2007, I traveled to the West Bank to conduct independent sculptural research. I sought to gain a deeper understanding of my Zionist upbringing.  I was active in local Winnipeg political movements like Anti Racist Action and was heavily inspired by local Punk Rock band: Propagandhi. 

“Take a look at your promised land, your deed is that gun in your hand”…

Excerpt from “Haillie Sellasse, Up Your Ass”

From the album: “How To Clean everything”

In 2007, I lived and volunteered at Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salaam- An experimental peace village with equal part Jewish and Muslim families living on the Israeli side of the “green line”.  I then moved into the West Bank and took part in grassroots community organizing with Palestinians and other international activists including live actions with The International Solidarity Movement. I spent time learning what Palestinian life looked like living under the Israeli Occupation. I initiated a puppet theater building workshop in a Nablus community center and made balloon sculptures in the Balata Refugee camp. I spent time at checkpoints, participated in weekly protests in the village of Bil’in. These protests were often extremely violent and the Israeli military would shower the village with tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition.  I ended up getting arrested by the Israeli border police in Hebron, and deported. 

The time I spent in the West Bank has had a profound effect on how I continue to approach art making. I created 6 large scale pieces between the years 2007-2009. These works are a response to my confusion, sorrow, anger and fear I felt after returning home from The West Bank.