“REMARKS BY TODD ROSE
March 11, 2023
Tubac Storytrail Garden Dedication

A Border divides. It separates. Creates otherness. Me. you. us. them. it. They’re there. We’re here. Borders are created through violence, conquest, imperialism and colonialism with no regard for life or ancient migratory pathways. It’s chopping up parcels of land for the haves and keeping out the have nots. A border is not peaceful. A border is violent.

When all those shipping containers were stacked along the Arizona border they welded plate steel to the gaps from uneven ground. As a welder it made me feel ashamed. What a poor use of a perfectly good process. Then not long after i saw in the news that a welder had brought his oxygen acetylene torch down there. He was dressed in a mountain lion costume and proceeded to cut holes in those very same plates providing paths for animals to cross. To me, he is a peace hero.

This space is designed around breaking down borders. This archway is titled: Welcoming a world beyond borders. It’s meant to invite - not exclude. WELCOME. Piedra is the name of the road we stand on. Piedra translates to rock in Spanish. And There are many rocks found in this piece. Their inclusion is a celebration of our natural world and the earth we share with all: human and non-human.

My rented workshop nearby (I won’t say where in case Border Patrol is listening) but it’s is just up the road. every day I see objects that reflect the paths of the unlucky ones. Hand made shoe covers that cover foot prints and gallon water bottles with camouflage green covers. I can’t even begin to imagine what the struggles of those individuals who stopped there and the lives they are leading now. They are border fugitives. Guilty of being born poor, somewhere else with the wrong skin color.

Thank you’s

I had a lot of help and support on this project and would like to thank;

My best friend and partner Karen Rose for unconditional love and support.

My friend and Mentor David Voisard for guidance technical and artistic inspiration.

My father in law Bobby Rose for engineering advice on footers, pounding stakes into the hard Arizona ground for two days straight, and help with planning and installation of the arches.

My dog Cici for companionship may she Rest In Peace.

Ted and Diane for passing my name along.

Mike at Corbin Bros for all the plasma cutting.

And lastly Jerry and Patsy for creating this peaceful place and trusting in my abilities to make this artwork a reality.”