If you’re going to study traffic patterns or perform some art or whatever else it is you might do while you block the road in the middle of downtown dressed up like a tree, Asher Woodworth is a pretty convenient real name to be sporting while you do it.
This tree blocked traffic on Congress Street. Witnesses say they thought it was an art project since so many people were taking pics! pic.twitter.com/POABLePqvf
— Kattey Ortiz (@katteynotkatie) October 24, 2016
I have no idea what is coming at me in the crosswalk. #Portland #Maine #Tree #Human pic.twitter.com/aRyPB6mBJe
— Curt Fletcher (@CurtFletcher) October 24, 2016
Asher Woodworth was apparently studying downtown traffic patterns in Portland while in his leafy costume, the Associated Press reported.
Police said he wanted to see how his act would impact “people’s natural choreography,” according to WCSH6.The 30-year-old has been charged with obstructing a public way.
A journalist at the scene said Woodworth was initially warned by police, but he was arrested after he blocked traffic again.
If you want to take a stab at sorting out what it means to impact “people’s natural choreography, this interview exists. But be warned, even Woodworth himself doesn’t quite know what the hell he was doing.
What was the connection between disrupting the speed and economy of everyday life and dressing as a tree?
It’s a good question. I don’t know that I can say I completely understand the connection between the two things. I’m not sure where this image came from. I think there is something about everyday life as a ceremony that I’m interested in and the ritual nature of art.
I guess I just figured it would be really interesting for someone to look over and see a tree where they weren’t expecting to see a tree. I thought maybe it would be amusing or delightful, or maybe it would upset them. And all of those responses are interesting and valid.
He’s lucky he didn’t get hit. A squirrel darting out into traffic “interrupts people’s natural choreography.” We know what usually happens to Mr. Squirrel.
or the car that avoids Mr. Squirrel. He could have been in the middle of a huge pile of cars.
Thankfully he was moving very slowly and not darting, but this is still not the best idea he’s ever had. If it is we’ve got much bigger things to worry about.