Galapagos Fantasy Island: A Natural Selection is an installation created from my imagination, but it retains a verity to the Galapagos archipelago I visited in November, 1996. Visitors who investigate my fantasy habitat are required to stay on a stepping-stone path, in the same way that tourists to the archipelago are required by Ecuadorian law to remain on designated trails in order to maintain and protect the island's natural environment.

On their journey through my installation, visitors encounter whimsical plants, animal creatures, and quirky land forms. Some creatures are neither flora nor fauna, but appear to be hybrids of both. Yet some creatures, such as the Galapagos tortoise (after which the Galapagos Islands are named), have recognizable shapes.

Along the trail, visitors also encounter a tree formed from multicolored body parts, and walk under a cloud bubbling with life. Finches flutter in the sky overhead. An insect-like creature creeps precariously close to the visitor's path.

Sounds of wildlife pervade the gallery where this installation of more than sixty sculptures is installed. The chirps, animal calls, and whistles are reminiscent of Galapagos wildlife sounds. Actually, these effects were derived from audio tapes made in the Galapagos which were computer-modified. The sounds help create an other- worldly mystical atmosphere.

The figures in the Galapagos installation are made from the same materials used to create my Healing Figure Sculpture Series, which I worked on from 1990 to 1996. Both the Healing Figure Sculpture Series and the Galapagos Fantasy Island Installation sculptures are created from segmented wire reminiscent of DNA molecules, a wood-pulp polyurethane mix, varnish, paints, and India inks.

The Galapagos explorations, whether actual or through my fantasy interpretation, are linked to Charles Darwin's theories. In 1835 Darwin visited the Galapagos, a chain of islands owned by Ecuador. He observed the adaptation of animals over generations, which allowed each species to survive in its new environment. Darwin formulated his theories of Evolution, Adaptation, Natural Selection, and Survival of the Fittest from observations of life on the Galapagos. Twenty years later these theories were published in The Origin of Species.

Today Darwin's theories can be reframed in light of twentieth century scientific advances. Gene mapping, altering and cloning, organ transplants, new pharmaceuticals, and medical protocols give physicians the potential to control survival and death. Children can be planned, reproduced artificially, checked for defects before birth. Not only can a fetus' sex be determined in utero, the fetus can be grown in a surrogate mother's womb. How will these types of scientific advancements effect the evolution of our species? Will nature or human nature determine the adaptation of our species in generations to come? What are the ethical considerations inherent in having the ability to control our genetic destiny?

The Ecuadorian government, recognizing the uniqueness of the Galapagos, is committed to maintaining the archipelago as well as to continuing the scientific inquiry started by Darwin. Scientists from the Charles Darwin Center on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, have programs to protect and propagate endangered species endemic to the islands. They also have established regulations to protect the island's fragile environment from potential damage by the incursion of tourists. Could Americans concerned about the conditions in our National Parks look to these programs as models to protect the flora and fauna in our country?

I hope that experiencing my Galapagos installation is FUN for people of all ages. For those whose nature it is to nurture ideas, "Bon voyage."