Inspiration 1  2009. 
Helium Filled Balloons, CB Radio, Custom Electronics, Miller Lite, Original recording of Larry Walters in his lawn-chair on July 2nd, 1982.

Inspiration I investigates man’s desire for freedom and escape though the legend of Larry Walters who on July 2nd 1982 attached 43 weather balloons to a lawn-chair named Inspiration I and was raised into the sky above Los Angeles violating federal air space. As legend states, Larry packed with him a pellet gun, CB radio, sandwiches, a camera and cold Miller Light. Although he came down safely after being caught in power lines, he was arrested for flying an unapproved craft, and later went on an inspirational lecture tour about achieving one’s dreams. 

"It was something I had to do. I had this dream for twenty years, and if I hadn't done it, I think I would have ended up in the funny farm. I didn't think that by fulfilling my goal in life- my dream- that I would create such a stir and make people laugh."  -Larry Walters

On November 24, 1993 Larry hiked into one of his favorite spots in the Angeles National Forest and shot himself in the heart taking his own life.

Inspiration I, incorporates the real auditory sounds of the event, as well as some of the stated items used for the journey (a CB radio tethered to a 12pack of Miller Lite suspended by helium filled balloons) in an attempt to more closely recreate the story for the viewer.  As with all great cluster balloon attempts what comes up must come down and so as the balloons deflate over the course of the exhibition the CB slowly comes to rest on the floor.