Gateway
2012
300cm (width) × x 40cm (depth) x 250cm (height)
300cm (width) × x 40cm (depth) x 250cm (height)
Concept & Design
The idea of the arch emerged very early on. Sculpture has to be relatively large to assert itself in the open outdoor space and I want people to be able to connect and interact with the sculpture, space and idea.
Looking at the arch, through arch, physically walking through and emerging on the other side (same or changed?). In my mind it fits the theme “New Perspective” perfectly.
Looking at the arch, through arch, physically walking through and emerging on the other side (same or changed?). In my mind it fits the theme “New Perspective” perfectly.
Construction
Arch is made of 21 blocks, and each block is made of hundreds wheel thrown little bits. Once all the blocks are glaze fired I can focus on inner steel structure.
Most of the welding is done inside ceramic blocks. That assures perfect fit and ceramic can withstand the heat. (and yes, I have done the welding)
It is a really neat system. Metal frames slide in and out of the middle of ceramic blocks. Because of rhomboid shape bigger on the bottom and smaller on the top, they don't fall out. Nuts and bolts allow for adjustment and tightening. And the whole thing can be pulled apart and re-assembled.
Absolutely essential: to mark each piece exactly how it fits together - including which block is on the left and which on the right side of the arch, and which side faces in. And same for the metal frames.
That system works on the bottom seven blocks on each side, but the blocks closer to the top are too small so they are "threaded" on the metal frame and lowered onto the "legs" of the arch. Charlie ( on the photo below) welded larger square tube on the seventh frame, and smaller ( perfect size to slide into one another) onto the top arch frame.
There were a few hair-raising moments there! But YES! It fits!
Most of the welding is done inside ceramic blocks. That assures perfect fit and ceramic can withstand the heat. (and yes, I have done the welding)
It is a really neat system. Metal frames slide in and out of the middle of ceramic blocks. Because of rhomboid shape bigger on the bottom and smaller on the top, they don't fall out. Nuts and bolts allow for adjustment and tightening. And the whole thing can be pulled apart and re-assembled.
Absolutely essential: to mark each piece exactly how it fits together - including which block is on the left and which on the right side of the arch, and which side faces in. And same for the metal frames.
That system works on the bottom seven blocks on each side, but the blocks closer to the top are too small so they are "threaded" on the metal frame and lowered onto the "legs" of the arch. Charlie ( on the photo below) welded larger square tube on the seventh frame, and smaller ( perfect size to slide into one another) onto the top arch frame.
There were a few hair-raising moments there! But YES! It fits!
Now we only have to repeat all that on site. Without forklift.
