outdoor work
I have always returned to the image of figures supporting objects or shouldering burdens. There is something very human (and humane) about lending someone a hand or giving a boost - we do this both with words and with actions. I see the best of us when we work towards building solutions and of acting in some spirit of service.
The sculpture is based on the Fibonacci sequence where each number is the sum of the two numbers that precede it. In nature, one can see this in the arrangement of a flower’s petals, the spiral of a snail’s shell, and how tree branches form or split. In this case, the height sequencing of the figures runs 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34 inches. Formally, I found that this graduation of height felt appropriate.
The work speaks to notions of collective effort and the idea of being part of something larger than oneself. Each figure sees a different vista with perhaps the smallest figure seeing the largest possible view, however each has his own unique experience. I believe that most of the time it is not possible to achieve great heights without relying on the support of others. Mass culture loves to extol the narrative of the singular genius but our lived experience tells us that we are stronger when we act together.
The expression “standing on the shoulders of giants (nanos gigantum humeris insidentes)” comes to mind and is a credo I regularly express to honour the many people who have generously given their time and knowledge as I have wandered the path of my experience.