The first river I swam in was the Calcasieu River in Southwest Louisiana. Salty brown water, slowing flowing underneath cypress trees, soothed the sun-soaked skin of teenagers. Before I launched myself into the river, I was cautioned to pay attention to the water as there were a few critters that could “get cha”. My white tank top became permanently light biege; stained by the dirty river. I loved the water even before I knew what was in it.

***

Lately, I have seen an uptick in stories about water; specifically the lack of water. Is it just me, or should we be paying attention to water a bit more?

As it swells and rushes.

As it disappears.

As it becomes contaminated.

As it dries up.

***

I have been walking around singing… this song. This slow downed rendition, accompanied by the water/vein-like imagery that accompanies this show intro is hauntingly beautiful.

Wade in the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children
God is gonna trouble these waters

We are in a water crisis. Check out the UN’s water stress meter that charts areas that lack access to clean water. Note that the last charted data was from 2019.

Wade in the water
Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children
God is gonna trouble these waters

***

Curious about the language we use to describe water, I started collecting songs that feature. Shout out to my FB friends who helped me remember some good ones or introduced me to some new ones. Follow this link to a Spotify collection.

I am not a scientist; I am an artist who is currently using scientific tools to explore curiosities around water. Follow along as I explore, play, and create.