Here is another art activity of combining negative values together, the discarded tire and conveyor belt rubber with my own, weak body, and hoping for artistic multiplication, where the two negatives result in a positive value. The desire to create a positive experience out of a used tire led me to use it as an exercise ball in a form of yoga. To safely interact with the tire, since it wasn’t designed for this kind of activity, it became important to protect my body from direct contact with the tire. Chemical gloves and a Tyvek suit spoke directly to the language of safety. Also, because breathing is so critical to yoga practice I wanted to shield my lungs from inhaling little particulates and the off-gassing of the tire, with a respirator. These decisions came from a place of utility, to have the most positive interaction with the tire, but then the visual discussion became very much a commentary on the dangerous materiality of the tire.

— Andy T