Flow
2012
Redwood, Deodar and hand-whittled forms.
5 panels. Each 30” x 40” x 1.5”. The panels align to form one continuous wall panel 30”H x 200”W.
Flow was designed to have the warmth and positive associations of wood combined with abstract patterns and forms suggesting the natural world. The title comes from the flowing pattern of laminated Deodar Cedar and Redwood that is the main focus of the work. This pattern also suggests the flow of a river which in turn is reflective of the passage of life. The flowing pattern eddies around the small inclusions which are intense, small sculptures created at a particular site or from a material that is important to me personally. The small sculptures are like individual people or events that stand out in the flow of life - moments of particular significance or value.
The work is made from various woods. The main woods are Deodar Cedar and Redwood that was milled from trees that were removed from the Highland Hospital site during construction. Inserted into curved windows in each panel are small hand-whittled sculptures and driftwood pieces in various woods from both native and exotic trees, all sourced in Oakland - including Bay Laurel, Wisteria, Redwood, Tree of Heaven, Birch, Eucalyptus, Manzanita and Monterey Cypress.
Commisioned by the Alameda County Arts Commission for the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus - Highland Care Pavillion, 5th Floor - 1411 E. 31st Street Oakland, CA