My proposal for the Wildflower Sculpture Park Residency Program, Root System, is to create a modular ceramic sculpture depicting the networks of life within South Mountain Reservation. Exploring specific species that live and keep the reservation’s ecosystem thriving. There is a very delicate balance in nature, if one or more species is removed from the equation the ecosystem at large suffers. This work will showcase that by having each individual piece that represents a species not be able to stand stably on its own. Once all the pieces are combined the entire sculpture stands solid and stable.
I have been exploring nature and specifically flora and fauna most of my artistic career; drawing and sculpting animals from all over the world. Recently I have been narrowing my focus to my own backyard. Despite New Jersey being the most densely populated U.S. State, it contains a vast number of diverse ecosystems within its borders. With South Mountain Reservation being right in my backyard it seems the perfect place to begin this new series of work. Not only do I want to highlight the diverse species living amongst us, I want to make sure everyone understands the delicate balance needed for them and their environment to thrive.
General Design of the modular sculpture, consisting of different size cylinders. That way I can add the surface decoration that will represent the different species in South Mountain Reservation.
Surface decoration options, carving clay away or adding 3-D lines to create the imagery.
