Artist Statement
A mysterious letter arrives one day in the post from the Prophet Peter Popoff, an evangelizing minister based in California. The letter promises “two special miracles” for “money problems” and promises that by completing the enclosed instructions that one will move into the “secret circle of God’s supernatural blessing.” Along with the letter is a second sealed envelope containing five prayer-anointed miracle pennies, a packed of “miracle spring water” and intricately complex instructions on how to use the five pennies to “slay the giants that have tormented you and also to meet all your needs.” The pennies are to be placed under a pillow, cast into water, anointed with oil, hidden with your money, and placed in a bible next to a particular passage. Following completion of these five tasks, one is supposed to anoint their foot with the packed of “miracle spring water”, trace the foot on a piece of paper and return the first penny with a $20 suggested donation to receive the “supernatural anointing” and further instructions.
Fascinated by the detailed nature of the letter and instructions, I endeavor to fully and faithfully complete the detailed instructions and document the resultant events. The narrative follows me on this quest and uses the process as a vehicle to explore issues of longing, faith, identity, belief, and humor.
I believe that this series is particularly pertinent to the FOTOFEST 2008 theme of “Transformations.” The premise of the letter is spiritual and financial transformation urges the recipient to complete the instructions to actively transform their lives.
The full exhibition is comprised of twelve (12) sequentially hung photographic works, but can be exhibited in smaller groupings. Each work ahs a print size of 35.56cm x 55.88 cm and is over matted and framed with black metal frames to a final exhibition size of 50.8 cm x 76.2 cm. The frames are wired across the back for easy installation.
Captions
Nate Larson, Miracle Pennies: The Envelope, 2006, Pigment Print, 14”x22”, edition of 3
Nate Larson, Miracle Pennies: The Letter, 2006, Pigment Print, 14”x22”, edition of 3
