I spent the summer of 2007 casting prototypes of a series of life-sized white porcelain tree stumps designed for temporary installations around the city. Poised at the juncture of wilderness and civilization, these 'ghost stumps' memorialize the dramatic changes that have taken place in the landscape around us. The Ghost Stumps build on several themes that saw their genesis in the Living Barge project. My work with Nicole Kistler to create the Living Barge stemmed not only from an interest in what this area used to look like, but from a growing fascination with the exploitation and export of natural resources. 150 years ago Seattle was covered with huge Douglas firs, cedars, and ferns; before airplanes and software, lumber was Seattle's major industry. The photo above shows the Ghost Stumps on display at the Bridge Motel. The Ghost Stumps took over Room 9 of the motel before it was demolished to make way for townhomes. The Bridge Motel was the first venue for the Stumps — a perfect symbol for transition and change. Thanks to Andrea Rogalski for passing along her porcelain casting skills.