Florence Rice Hitchcock and the Theory of the Soft Earth

(2012-17)

Created with and performed by Candice Salyers.

An exploration of the physics and geologic properties of interconnection and indeterminacy. Also a "nearly true" story about a forgotten nineteenth-century geologist who dedicated her life to deciphering and channeling her prophetic visions into a theory of planetary interdependency. Also a tale of how a valuing of solidity and static measurability can soften into a greater understanding and acceptance of change as the only true constant.

Florence's fictional Soft Earth Theory predicted future scientific understanding (quantum physics, chaos theory, environmental science) and forefronted social and ecological responsibility. It was constructed from pieces of spiritual and scientific ideas across cultures and time periods, and stretched from the 4th century forward to meet current understanding of the role of uncertainty in how the universe functions, and the effects of humans on the earth and other species.

This project was made possible in part through a creative research fellowship at the American Antiquarian Society, and by the archivists and librarians who maintain and provide access to those collections.

Subjects:

Imaginary biography

Quantum cosmology

Social ecology

Chaotic behavior in systems

Causality (Physics)

Geology, Stratigraphic--Anthropocene

Mercy