Unity' : a site specific public sculpture

Abstract

My thesis proposes that sculpture can provide a focus for community gathering and individual contemplation. I embrace the Benedictine philosophy that values time for contemplation and encourages the individual to contribute to his community. This personal vision is made manifest in Unity, a site-specific public sculpture. My thematically unified complex consists of a series of forms which define a path, a portal and a resting place. I use archetypal forms to represent the search for spiritual discovery. I chose to install Unity on the front lawn of Haynes Hall to bring vitality to a dispirited site, and to address the social need for a School of Art gathering space. My forms are based on two primary influences: my fascination with the principles of sacred geometry and metal’s ability to celebrate the inherent beauty of structure.