WORMS
WORMS is an ongoing exploration centered around a growing collection of large soft-sculpture "worms." What began as a simple instinct to sew something oversized has evolved into a full-fledged commitment to pursue the subject of worms - and all the strange and unexpected tangents it reveals. This is an evolving project that I ultimately hope to develop into a full-length performance. At the heart of the project are themes of audience participation, absurdity, and how artists create meaning and relevance in their work from even the most unexpected subjects.
Tight Five event - Sweet Action Theatre, June 17, 2025
Two large soft sculpture "worms"—one purple and one red—were placed on stage. Six audience members were invited to participate via microphone, with three people assigned to each worm. Participants were instructed to bring the worms to life by mirroring the movements of matching-colored animated worms displayed on the screen. Fun chaos ensued, fueled by enthusiastic cheers and encouragement from the seated audience.
Special Projects Gallery, York University - September 2024
From September 23-27, 2024, I occupied the Special Projects Gallery (SPG) at York University’s School of Art, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD). The gallery began filled with polyester stuffing, and a sewing station with a machine was set up near the large windows facing the lobby. For four days, I worked at the machine, sewing large fabric “worms” using the polyester stuffing and colorful satin fabric. Visitors were invited to stop by, chat, help with stuffing, or lounge on the completed worms. By the final day, the polyester stuffing was gone, and the gallery was filled with vibrant, colorful worms.
A "Worm Walk" was advertised widely across campus, and at 2 PM on Friday, September 27, an audience gathered in the gallery to participate. Together, we carried the worms out of the gallery and into public space. The procession moved through campus, in and out of buildings, and across the grounds. Once back in the gallery, participants made giant piles of worms to jump into, wrapped themselves in the worms, or used them as pillows.
Concrete Cabaret “Basement Edition” event - Collective Arts Toronto, October 2024
For this performance I crafted an audio narrative about the research I attempted to conduct about worms, which played while the space was filled with worms.
Concrete Cabaret Summer event - Christie Pitts Park Toronto, July 2025
For this family-friendly event, I embodied a “spiritual worm leader” and guided the audience through the teachings of WORM, leading to an immersive and participatory experience in the park. Sound was played by Charlie Murray.
