Writing Samples
Grant Narrative (abbrev)
Reaching Up , organizational project
When we think of public art, one factor remains consistent: the importance of the viewer. Our proposed sculpture, Reaching Up, puts the experience of the audience front and center. This is a sculpture that was designed in a collaborative setting, Sedgwick Studio, with input from the organization throughout the process: from inception to installation. Working together, we’ve devised several themes and concepts inherent to this piece. This makes it ideal for placement in Central Park, with public parks being locations all eight artists on this team have previously performed commissioned projects. On an aesthetic note, Reaching Up is abstract, yet organic-inspired in form. Standing at 14’ x 6’ x 5’, the sculpture takes on many types of resemblance. Appropriate for its role in a public setting, it has an appearance that seems to reflect (no pun intended) the nature that surrounds it. Two intertwined “strands” of metal resemble blades of grass or spinning leaves. In another connection between Reaching Up and its environment, the twisting, metal strands appear akin to paths one may take throughout the terrain of the park. The sculpture’s form could also be interpreted as an infinity symbol or even a figure – “reaching up” to new heights.
The second manner Reaching Up addresses the role of the audience is through its unique construction, an aspect that truly incorporates the cumulative skills of Sedgwick Studio’s team of artists. Fabricated from stainless steel, the artwork has two contrasting finishes. One side is matte and the other side polished into a mirror finish. This gives Reaching Up its uniquely interactive quality. Using a mirror allows visitors to see themselves in the artwork, making them literally part of the sculpture. Considering that Central Plaza, like all of Marion, will host family-focused community activities, we can easily imagine Reaching Up as being a work of entertainment, perfect for those looking to take photos. On top of that, the sculpture will reflect the surrounding area, including both the vegetation and the sunlight.
Sedgwick Studio is a dedicated art space in Chicago with multiple craftsmen fabricating the artwork, from both within the Sedgwick Studio and outside contractors and artisans. As mentioned, many of our prior projects have been sited in public parks, similar to Central Plaza and we’re familiar and comfortable with their unique needs. Reaching Up seems to be aptly suited for the atmosphere at Central Plaza. Of course, durability is public sculpture’s duty. Reaching Up handles all elements – from harsh weather to the test of time – and is designed to remain safe and enjoyable for years of public interaction while requiring nominal maintenance and meeting deadlines and budgets. With site as the most important factor in my work, all of Sedgwick Studio is comfortable working with landscape architects, contractors, stakeholders and the community as a whole.
Hopefully, the sculpture – and its universally attractive aesthetic – will become a landmark in the upcoming park setting. In Marion, a city with great appreciation for culture and the arts, Reaching Up is a sculpture to delight Central Plaza visitors and residents for generations.
Project 1: Gear Up
We’re all influenced by the places and people that surround us. Just as Southern Illinois University laid the groundwork for my artistic education, SIU’s physical infrastructure and supportive environment were the central inspiration behind Gear Up. Through a series of interconnected gears, Gear Up brings a common motif to life. From ground level to several stories above the ground, the gears appear to move upward as they travel toward the sky …an apt metaphor for SIU’s Transportation Education Center!
A near-universal symbol of mechanical technology, Gear Up uses its gear imagery on multiple levels. 27’ x 16’ x 18’ and built from aluminum, Gear Up expresses motion both through its choice of subject and its ascending form; a comment on technological innovation and progress. As a sculpture envisioned for a specific populace, Gear Up also suggests the intellectual growth of SIU’s students. However, education doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Gear Up’s individual pieces are intertwined. Though each piece is distinct, their connective grooves point to the importance of teamwork, synergy, and active conversation.
Mirroring the physical forum of SIU, autonomous thinkers come together as a cohesive, productive whole.
For this project, I let the site determine the design. For seamless architectural integration, I’ve selected a blank wall near a frequently-used side entrance. Thematically, connecting the sculpture to the facility draws attention to the SIU as a physical structure where interconnectivity and teamwork bring upon world-changing ideas. Functionally, images of the site seem to suggest the particular area may already act as an informal gathering area for students and faculty. Gear Up implies togetherness and build-in seating solidifies this notion. At ground level, the sculpture becomes a large bench with each groove a separate seat with the artwork’s circular layout conducive to face-to-face dialogue. Another gear placed against the building provides opportunities for an individual to sit or lean in the artwork’s center; perhaps conducting a surrounding group. This layout lends itself to an outdoor forum for everything from casual get-togethers to formal staff meetings.
If needed, Gear Up’s intended placement also takes into account the wall’s access to electricity. My current interest in lighting is via LEDs placed within the gears for visibility, a distinctive day or night presence, and a sustainable option, in keeping with SIU’s LEED certification.
Project 2: Motorhead
In mechanics, each action has a reaction and Motorhead (working title) embodies that concept. Movement - the twirling, twisting, energetic motion of an abstract motor – is the sculpture’s “action.” Motorhead’s “reaction” is the anticipated response of its audience (and I don’t mean heavy metal fans!). My primary interest was in designing public sculpture in the interests of generations of Southern Illinois University’s skilled mechanics. The reaction? A sense of instant recognition, pride, and passion toward their field of study.
Mechanics can be simultaneously simple, yet incredibly complex. Crafted from aluminum and standing at 22’ x 16’ x 8’, Motorhead is an abstract depiction of a standard motor (or, alternately, a figure bent in mechanical workmanship) with a nod to the Futurist Movement. By virtue of its familiar subject matter, Motorhead directly connects with its viewership. Its iconography instills interest, excitement and, of course, energy – reminding mechanically-minded viewer of the purpose and indelible role of SIU.
SIU’s unique topography plays a major role in Motorhead. Placement surrounding by concrete padding adds to the sculpture’s power. While conceptualizing the sculpture as site-specific, its position of prominence adds another factor: reverence. When centered as a focal point, Motorhead transforms from poignant reminder of a well-known object to a symbol of honor. Lighting enhances this effect with white spotlights surrounding the concrete pad. Not only does this form of lighting offer visibility essential for an airport setting, it increases the significance of the motor in the lives of its viewership.
Like an illuminated trophy case or museum exhibition, spotlighting alludes to the dedication, knowledge,
and enthusiasm of all mechanics…past, present, and future.
Two Proposals
1) Gear Up
2) Motorhead