Tears and Sunshine was commissioned by the Connemara Conservancy Foundation in Plano, Texas. It is a structure that has a porch, a swing, two windows, five steps, a screen door and a parterre garden. Collectively these elements integrate into the site while creating space to contemplate the past and create new memories while reflecting upon the open Texas sky. The windows contain quotes from the diaries of women who settled northern and central Texas. The style and topic of each reflects the social, economic and political diversity of the settlers. The garden is composed of commonplace elements organized in a traditional quilt design that possesses multiple associations; such as poetic references regarding the American Wilderness as representing both the Garden of Eden and the Gates of Hell.

Wood, stain, grasses, coal, feathers, birdseed, teacups, glass, kodaliths, screen door
Overall dimensions: 12’ x 22’ x 11’