Sign and Seek

Installation, Sculpture, Interactive piece

The word search game in sign language is called Sign and Seek. I created 156 hand casts out of plaster bandages, using my own right hand to shape them, and then pored in plaster, creating 156 plaster hand molds. Each hand is unique. I chose the words: interaction, exchange, engagement, expression, connection, communication and conversation and each letter was represented by a gesture in sign language. These words are hidden in the rest of the letters, and people are asked to find the words and make the connections between the hands with a piece of yarn. The words are also written in the entrance of the space, before people enter the room, and are also represented by the particular gestures. So, people, have to visualize the word represented on the entrance of the room and then find it in the word search game. It is a challenging thing to do and the viewers show interest and make an effort to interact with the piece and play. It is a chance for them to become part of the piece, and decode what the piece is trying to communicate.