Overview
The Gambler was my first public art installation. This nostalgic conceptual piece consisted of a comfortable hammock, the supports of which were decorated with card-playing paraphernalia and covered in a shady awning, upon which was inscribed the entire lyrics to the song "The Gambler," by Kenny Rogers. Resting in the hammock caused the song to play over, and over, and over, and over... the lyrics, allowing you to sing along.
Inspiration
Years ago I was on an extended backpacking trip. Having been gone for months, halfway around the world, distant from all things familiar, and a little homesick, I was inspired to make this piece. In Dunedin, New Zealand, I was the only one staying in the bunk room of a hostel. Sliding in to the bunk for what would be a lonely evening, far from home, I looked up to see, written in their entirety on the slats holding the upper bunk mattress above me, the full lyrics to "The Gambler," a famous song by Kenny Rogers. That song was one of my treasured 45's growing up, and it hit me with a solid, nostalgic dose of homey comfort. I started to sing... "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em..." In this piece I wanted to recreate that feeling of an unexpected pause from a long journey, to come home for a spell in the nostalgia of a familiar song.
