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Spirit of a Place

If we love it, we will protect it

This series of works involve object-site connection.  A site is selected and from its materials, its aesthetic qualities, and its spirit, a sculptural object is created on which to sit.   The object becomes one with the site and the viewer sitting on this object becomes one with nature and the spirit of this place.

This series of works involve object-site connection.  A site is selected and from its materials, its aesthetic qualities, and its spirit, a sculptural object is created on which to sit.   The object becomes one with the site and the viewer sitting on this object becomes one with nature and the spirit of this place.

1. OAK WOODLAND WITH CAMELLIA UNDERSTORY

Under the towering canopy of a 125 year old dense oak woodland, an understory of tall dark glossy leaf camellias were planted over 70 years ago creating today a unique manmade landscape.   The gargantuan canopy lets in shafts of light which sparkle when they reflect off the dark glossy leaves of the camellias.  As they move in the breeze, the twinkling light creates an ethereal reverent aura at certain moments of time during the day.

Invisible forces appear to collect and order surrounding glossy camellia leaves (in the form of chrome coated metal leaf shapes) that are embedded in the pavement and rise to become welded together in a sculptural form on which to sit.  Hanging by thin wire from the trees, metallic silver leaves hover above the bench and move and chime in the wind. 

2. OAK GLADE

Bold movable resin trunk-like forms in this trunk-dominated space provide lounges to view the canopy above and enhance the spirit of the place.

3. OAK IN THE CHAPARRAL

Granite of all sizes from boulders to grains of sand are used to create a feeling of invisible forces pulling fragments together into an ordered seat wall and paving in a space under the shade of an oak.  One can contemplate the forces of nature that created this place. 

Sun, wind, and rain break down granite bedrock into boulders and further fragment it into cobbles, small stones, pebbles, and finally into granular decomposed granite.  Decomposed granite mixes with plant debris built up over centuries creating soils that support the germination of acorns and seeds from native plant species.  As oaks grow to maturity with fragrant sages, manzanitas, wild lilac, buckwheat, and other native plants, a habitat is born to provide food and shelter for the abundant wildlife lurking in the shadows.  Often hidden by day in the trees and burrows, animals leave their tracks in the earth as evidence of their existence.

4. BAMBOO GROVE

A flowing ribbon of stacked and connected bamboo pieces winds its way through the bamboo grove.  One can sit on it anywhere to listen to the wind song music captured by a similar undulating ribbon of stacked bamboo pipes overhead.

5. REFLECTION POND

Alongside a reflection pond, a rippling stainless steel piece is placed to both reflect the reflection pond and to sit and become a part of the fluid spirit of nature in this place.