Description and concept: I originally conceived the sculpture as a two-dimensional labyrinth to be built from old wall lathing I had salvaged from demolished homes. After beginning the process, however, the idea to create a more abstract three-dimensional labyrinth took hold.
Revival,
18 ft. x 38 ft. x 12 ft.
wood lath, rope
The addition of the third dimension (depth) was designed to increase the complexity of form, hopefully inspiring the viewer to think more deeply and abstractly about its meaning, especially as it relates to individuals, society and the potential to evolve.
It was not until I actually started construction that I began fully to appreciate the properties of the wood (tension, for instance) as well as the possibility for greater symbolic meaning, I realized a three-dimensional labyrinth would require construction and assembly of many smaller, independent sculptures. To me, the separate pieces represented individuals, bound
Choir,
12 ft. x 26 ft. x 5 ft.
wood lath, rope
in tension, tied to the fortunes of their neighbors. The labyrinth was never intended to have an entrance, exit, or solution, for that matter only a pathway to understanding our relationship with one another.
Generation,
7 ft. x 11 ft. x 4 ft.
Synthetic hair, electrical conduit
“Generation” is perhaps my most “metaphoric” piece in that I have incorporated so many of the themes that most inspire me. The sculpture explores the transformative role of “learning” throughout our lives. The medium is synthetic hair wrapped and braided around electrical conduit that I formed into a series of loops, rhythmically rising and falling as through life’s experience. I’ve used the conduit to represent the connections between people and their generations, with the length and color of hair changing with age. Because we all have the potential to learn from one another’s mistakes as
well as successes, the conduit serves to transport the thoughts and ideas that produce “waves” of change; with time, these in turn gather force affecting young and old without regard or discrimination. Only by keeping the conduit open and connected over the generations may we pass on our heritage, its traditions and the intelligence that accumulates.
Urban Habitat,
6 ft. x 18 ft. x 6 ft.
Stainless steel, wood lath,
horsetail grass, moss, soil, wool fibers
My challenge for this particular piece was to physically represent the “harmonious anarchy” that shapes a large metropolitan community. While this concept may be impossible to fully define, at its core it is about living and growing in harmony with that which surrounds us.
NASA’s Glenn Research Center donated highly reflective sheets of “classified” material. At first, it appeared to be stainless steel but I quickly discovered it was highly resistant to heat (i.e. welding), cutting and general fabrication bending. Nonetheless, I was determined to incorporate it into a potentially ever-expanding “cityscape” that I had envisioned.
The material, with its reflective surface, provided not only the substance, but further functioned as a reflective base through which “introspection” (reflection) could flourish. Creating an environment that sustains spiritual growth through reflection, as well as physical growth through natural materials.
Reconstruction,
12 ft. x 5 ft. x 3 ft.
stained wood wall lath
This was a meditative “project piece” that provided an opportunity to lose myself in design. I had no idea how it would evolve, only that I wanted it to reproduce filtered light.
By stacking and layering recycled wood wall lathe, I hoped to create the desired effect. While it was my intent to keep the materials rough and natural, I found I could create the illusion of a “polished” surface by using linear and geometric shapes. I joined the lathe face to face to make individual panels and slotted them together to create a standing installation through which light could filter naturally, much like a thick forest.
The Amendment Earthworks Project: Here in Cleveland, nature will incorporate 3,000 toxic acres of vacant post-industrial space back into the eco-system. Most often these desecrated second-hand spaces are in urban communities. The Amendment Projects
Amendment,
Driftwood, clay, soil
12 ft. x 22 ft. x 9 ft.
are small-scale earthworks that will help nature restore healthy habitats. Sculptural objects made of nutrient rich materials will amend soil deficiencies, as they’re absorbed by the landscape.
Goals and Community Impact: At face-value the amendment project is a beautification project, but it is also guerrilla gardening. The sculptural works exhibited will transform toxic ground into a healthier habitat, preparing the soil for anyone that would like to use it to grow food crops. The Amendment project’s goals are to create works that affect environmental change, to use art and exhibition to confront the degradation of urban land and community. To encourage the public to think critically about the environmental challenges facing our urban eco-systems and reinforce the connections between the environment and our daily lives.