Steel and polyurethane, $8,000
Location: Bloomfield Park – W. Michigan Ave and Durand
In visualizing the model for this work I held the palms of my hands close together as if in the act of clapping or praying. I crisscrossed my fingers in various angles and this suggested the original design for the sculpture.
From a small lostwax casting in bronze, the model reminded me of two people wearing robes, leaning toward each other, engaged in conversation. I thought of the many ways people enter into a conversation and the many kinds of conversations that are possible. I also thought of how important it has always been for us to communicate and even to leave a record of our thoughts for posterity. We clearly see how technology has been devoted to making communication more accessible to everyone. Communication is a powerful force that can move the masses and change emotions in both positive and negative ways.
I imagine this force as a vortex as powerful and unstoppable as the revolution of the earth itself. I did not set out to express this concept when I began the design but was pleased that it fit the “big picture” of my observations perfectly. The sculpture doubles as an interior and the public is invited to enter it.
A Conversation is part of the 2009 - 2010 City of Jackson's public art exhibition sponsored by the City of Jackson, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County and the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History.
