The purpose of a waystation is to pull people out of their everyday humdrum and give them a chance to have their voice heard or experience a moment of creativity. This interactive piece was a collaboration with Shahab Andarva and was placed in the center of campus at the University of Maine in Orono to engage students and faculty.

What Do You See? strived to inspire passersby to take a moment to reflect, either internally or on their surroundings. There are constantly distractions and noises everywhere, especially on a college campus. The waystation was carefully positioned to create an experience in which the audience will encounter their own image in an unexpected setting. The red lines on the frame are able to direct the viewer’s eye towards the mirror’s center, and allow the assembled materials to harmonize aesthetically with the surrounding area. Those passing by were invited to share their reflection by recording it in permanent marker on the mirror’s face. Their interpretation of the piece is affected by the layered messages from those that came before them.  

Enabling the public to freely deface the mirror has opened the door for profanity, vulgarity, and some inappropriate imagery. Because the intention of the piece is to inspire creativity and allow for freedom of expression, we hesitated to remove any of the markings. Unless downright offensive, we support the variety of responses to our prompt.

The piece was active from February to May, 2024, and received over 100 additions.