The background or wall surface of the site will be covered with blue-black colored mild steel panels. Set out slightly from the paneled surface and occupying the majority of wall space are twenty-five rectangular low relief castings in bronze. The castings depict feet, both bare and with shoes. Across the top section of the wall is a shelf constructed of steel. A series of small porcelain light fixtures with low watt clear incandescent bulbs are fixed to the underside of the shelf. On the topside of the shelf is what appear to be a random collection of
objects, some cast, some fabricated.
The steel panels serve as a background, defining the sculptural space within the architecture, and at the same time, provide textural contrast for the castings and tonal contrast for the lights. Structurally, the steel sheets function as the foundation for the other elements of the work.
The twenty-five rectangular low relief castings of feet are the centerpieces of the work. Twelve of these castings are pairs of bare feet, while twelve corresponding pairs will be wearing shoes. The twenty-fifth pair will occupy the center space while each set of bare and shoed feet will be placed side by side, forming a grid. For me, the images are layered with metaphors, questions and reminders of time and experience. "You can tell a great deal about a person Watson, by examining their shoes". The activity of choosing the subjects and taking the molds is central to the life of the work. For me, the most difficult and important part of the project will be choosing the right models. Most will be people I have never met before; people for various diverse reasons I feel will help build a powerful image.
The lights under the shelf will add an element of intimacy to the work when viewed up close. I expect the general area to be well light, so my lights will not be so noticeable from a distance. The choice of a dark background (the steel panels) will highlight the delicacy of these lights.
I see the objects on the topside of the shelf as being stored rather than being displayed; they will not fill the space, but instead will be clustered. Included on the shelf will be cast bronze models of the chair and mixing bowl I will use in each of the mold making sessions.
Details
Panels: 12-gage mild steel, with tight fitting seams attached by unobtrusive counter sunken machine screws. Panels will be attached to a grid structure applied to the wall or, will be attached directly to the structural elements of the wall
Twenty-five relief castings (feet): molds will be taken using Dermagel, a flexible mold material with an alginate base. Bronze castings will be made using the lost wax process. Castings will be mounted to the individual panels by stainless bolts welded to the back of the castings. Each casting will weigh approximately 10 lbs.
Lights: five 15-watt lights in individual fixtures will run off a single 110-v. line. Or if required a simple 110v. fiber optics system that could produce a similar visual effect would be used.
Shelf: fabricated from 12-gage mild steel and attached to the panels with machine screws. Shelf will also house the wiring for the lights. Objects on the topside of the shelf will be attached to the shelf before mounting shelf to panels.