SCULPTURE
This sculpture follows on the heels of a debate I was having about cause
and effect with an ordained Christian Minister. I made the point that
every human action has an effect on, and therefore makes permanent and
irreversible changes to, all of creation. I likened it to a drop of water
falling onto the surface of a pond. The ripples from the drop move out in
waves across the surface disturbing all parts of the pond. I mentioned that
in light of this, we must be mindful of our words and deeds and the disturbances
they create. His response was that Creation is more like a rain storm on the
surface of the ocean - the ripples created by one drop being more or less
insignificant given the scope of the whole. He saw my position as too egocentric.
I saw his as too forgiving. It was our last conversation, except for when we
said a polite hello to each other at the courthouse in 1999, moments before
he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault.
I couldn't get the idea of ripples out of my mind in 1996. The surface of my
pond had been disturbed and would not settle. It was a year of constant ups
and downs. Everything was moving and elusive. I wanted some way of affixing
the waves so I could rest. I can't explain how the idea for this sculpture
came together in my head, but, given the above, it might explain itself if I
detail the process of its creation.
I made a shallow impression in the surface of the sand in my children's sandbox,
perhaps one inch deep and one-and-a-half feet in diameter. Starting at the
center of the impression, I began to make concentric circles with expanding
foam crack filler. My aim was to watch the foam circles grow and expand.
I decided I wanted to capture the movement of the growing circles by seeing
what effect they would have on setting plaster, so I poured a layer of
Plaster of Paris over the foam and sand.
If you can, come and see the result!
This work is in my collection.
Your comments and questions are welcomed. E-mail me.