bole
noun, Botany
1. the trunk of a tree
The inspiration for these sculptures comes from the noble and enduring life form, the bole, the botanical name for a tree trunk. The bole is the foundation of a tree and the conduit for its nourishment. The bole sculptures are tree trunk-like shapes that I turn into objects of perceived strength and emotional connection.
The properties of stainless steel wire mesh are central to these sculptures. Stainless steel wire mesh is a modern industrial material with ancient artistic appeal. It remains forever shiny and reflective; it never tarnishes or rusts. The mesh is a fabric of a strong but malleable weave that holds its shape. The mesh is versatile. It may be used as a sheet of fabric or reduced to single wires that appear to be line art or multiple single wires may be twisted into strong fringes akin to cables on a suspension bridge. Jewel-tone colors may be added by applying heat from a butane or propane torch. Wire mesh shines brilliantly in direct sunlight like the precious metals platinum or polished silver. Yet with backlighting, the mesh appears transparent, revealing the shapes and contours of the interior space of the sculptures. The interior space is the psychological heart of my bole sculptures.
It is unusual to see the interior space of sculptures. Often sculptures are made of opaque materials, such as bronze or steel that define the shape of the sculpture by its surface structure. In such cases, one cannot see inside the sculpture and instead the focus is on the relationship of the surface with its surroundings. In contrast, wire mesh sculptures are equally about surface and interior space and both can be viewed at the same time! One can look at the sculpture and through the sculpture. The interior space is a place to visually explore the folds and layers of the inner surfaces of the sculpture and to look through the sculpture to see what lies beyond, filtered by the mesh. The intrigue of the interior space is about transparency. The visual transparency of the bole sculptures is intriguing because it changes as one moves around the sculpture and it changes as the light changes throughout the day. Although the sculptures are static, the transparency of the wire mesh gives them a dynamic quality.
In the images of boles below, the surface view (via direct lighting) is on the left and the transparent view (via back-lighting) of the same bole is on the right. Click on the images to see larger views and details.
The properties of stainless steel wire mesh are central to these sculptures. Stainless steel wire mesh is a modern industrial material with ancient artistic appeal. It remains forever shiny and reflective; it never tarnishes or rusts. The mesh is a fabric of a strong but malleable weave that holds its shape. The mesh is versatile. It may be used as a sheet of fabric or reduced to single wires that appear to be line art or multiple single wires may be twisted into strong fringes akin to cables on a suspension bridge. Jewel-tone colors may be added by applying heat from a butane or propane torch. Wire mesh shines brilliantly in direct sunlight like the precious metals platinum or polished silver. Yet with backlighting, the mesh appears transparent, revealing the shapes and contours of the interior space of the sculptures. The interior space is the psychological heart of my bole sculptures.
It is unusual to see the interior space of sculptures. Often sculptures are made of opaque materials, such as bronze or steel that define the shape of the sculpture by its surface structure. In such cases, one cannot see inside the sculpture and instead the focus is on the relationship of the surface with its surroundings. In contrast, wire mesh sculptures are equally about surface and interior space and both can be viewed at the same time! One can look at the sculpture and through the sculpture. The interior space is a place to visually explore the folds and layers of the inner surfaces of the sculpture and to look through the sculpture to see what lies beyond, filtered by the mesh. The intrigue of the interior space is about transparency. The visual transparency of the bole sculptures is intriguing because it changes as one moves around the sculpture and it changes as the light changes throughout the day. Although the sculptures are static, the transparency of the wire mesh gives them a dynamic quality.
In the images of boles below, the surface view (via direct lighting) is on the left and the transparent view (via back-lighting) of the same bole is on the right. Click on the images to see larger views and details.
Above. Installation of boles at MUSEO Gallery, June 2016. Left to right: Bole No. 12. Wisdom comes from a peaceful mind; Bole No. 18. We're on the spectrum, sister, somewhere between indigo and violet; Bole No. 16. Sentimental indigo blue; Bole No. 15. After forethought, speak your mind; Bole No. 14. Welcome into the fold; Bole No. 10. Learn by reflection, as often as the sun shines upon me; Bole No. 13. I will look out for you.
The boles range in height from 5 - 7 feet.
The boles range in height from 5 - 7 feet.
Each bole sculpture is mounted on a steel ring base with rivets. The bases were designed and fabricated by Tim Leonard of Heavy Metal Works.
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