Here in Salem, Sam-Bruce invited people to share their experiences with nature in person and through his website – wherethequestionslive.com.

These stories partly inform the work, whether in sheets of poetry fluttering on the ceiling, wall murals or poetry portals — what Sam-Bruce calls “a cross between a phone booth, headphones and a tiny cave.” Visitors will be immersed by the artist’s original artwork in paint or wood on the walls, ceiling and floor. An original soundscape by award-winning composer Ruth Mendelson and a film collaboration with video producer Ryan Shoemaker further enhances the experience of the space.

Even though the installation is targeted toward children, Sam-Bruce seeks to activate the senses of adults through the “lens of childhood.” For example, a custom art table in the activity area features a reading nook, inviting children — and adults — to crawl inside the structure. Visitors are encouraged to create their own artwork and poetry, which will be hung on the walls.

Sam-Bruce deliberately uses minimal signage and labels to allow people to engage directly and spontaneously with his artwork. He also includes a land acknowledgment on the wall to recognize the contributions of indigenous communities in the area, and as he says, “to push a culture of inclusion.”

For the artist, engaging with the land is integral to his process. He says asking the land for permission to do his work offers an opportunity for the land to connect with him and shape the narratives of his pieces, contrasting with Western concepts of people dominating the land.

After earning a degree in art education, Sam-Bruce spent nearly six years as a summer camp director in the Yosemite area, an experience that shaped his present work. Diverging from his original aspirations, he seeks to prompt learning moments that are not driven by a curriculum, but rather the act of play.

"What I discovered is the importance of learning how to get down at the literal eye level of a child and speak directly to them,” he says. “In this installation, I want to respect those kids that are in there, knowing that they’re going through their own challenges, and I want them to feel seen, heard and known in the space.”

Sam-Bruce takes inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh, Gary Snyder and Robin Wall Kimmerer. Philosophy, ecology, spirituality, humanism and science blend to inform his outlook. With pressing environmental concerns, Sam-Bruce adds that, “if you’re going to protect something, you have to love it first. I’m trying to stir up love in that space.”