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Visionary Spirit - Spirit Figure Series |
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2000, steel, stones, earth, dimensions variable
Hind-sight/Fore-site: Art for the New Millennium, Bayly Art Museum, Charlottesville, VA |
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For the Hind-sight/Fore-site: Art for the New Millennium exhibition I examined Thomas Jefferson’s continued influence on contemporary thinking and governmental practices. My goal was to remind us of Jefferson’s lingering influence by examining his absence. Visionary Spirit was intended to represent the spirit of Jefferson hence this site-specific work is figural rather than figurative. Viewers were presented with an abstract rendering of an 19th century outer garment that was the fashion during Jefferson’s presidency. Welded steel strips formed the ‘fabric’ creating a dynamic vertical twisting pattern. Standing 13 feet tall, this animated garment appeared to be inhabited, thus representing the heroic quality of Jefferson’s legacy. In addition to the steel garment, mulch, stones and boulders were incorporated into the landscape. These earthen elements, which cascaded from the figure out on to the lawn, were intended to symbolically suggest Jefferson’s love for and connection to the Virginia landscape. The mulch also made a visual and symbolic connection between the sculpture and the site and the near by trees received nutrients enabling them to thrive. The sculpture 'nurtured' the spirit of Jefferson within the community.
At dusk during the opening ceremonies the spirit of Thomas Jefferson was rekindled by creating a large bonfire within the garment. The resulting flames, cinders, and smoke rose in the sky symbolically reconnected us to our past. Our ancient ancestors were fascinated with the power and magic of fire, just as we are today. Fire is a primal force associated with both destruction and rebirth. Native Americans set fires on the open plains to control the grasses and certain pinecones will not germinate until charred by fire. It is part of the natural cycle in many regions of the world. This performative aspect of the project created a unique shared experience for those in attendance. Every evening thereafter the sculpture was illuminated from the inside creating a warm inviting glow. |
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