tr.v. trans·duced, trans·duc·ing, trans·duc·es
1 To convert (energy) from one form to another.
2 To transfer (genetic material or characteristics) from one bacterial cell to another. Used of a bacteriophage or plasmid.
This project was a performance piece that began after my decision to participate in a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). During my treatments I saw a variety of patients enter, from the elderly to small children. I overheard the frequent discussion about the cost of treatment and the lack of funds to pay for it. After looking at a flier I received from LLS in the mail about the Team In Training program to raise money through athletic events, I decided that while I was healthy enough I should do something that could help not only myself, but fellow patients as well. I chose to participate in the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon in Minneapolis, MN.
As I began training for the triathlon, I was a teaching assistant for a Performance and Installation class. The instructor encouraged me to participate knowing my situation. I made a connection between my training and art, creating a demonstration of my desire to overcome illness and to provide support for others in my situation. I was taking mental energy that stemmed from anger and frustration and transducing it into a physical form that would help not only myself, but others as well. I raised over $6000.
While training, my main focus would be on my breathing. My training involved three activities: swimming, biking and running. During each activity, as I inhaled, I would picture a clean, white light entering my body. As I would exhale, the white light would leave, taking with it bits of my cancer. I took this act and distilled it into a five minute show, a miniature 'therapy triathlon'. The above picture is a photo from a live performance. I recorded tracks of my breathing during sessions of each type of training. This track was played for an audience as I manipulated a single white light that was projected onto a wall. As the breath went in the light grew bright; as the breath exhaled, the light grew dim.