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Alchemical
Bloom is a system of artificial growth using information gathered
from a natural source. A new copper sculpture "grows" every week;
the size and texture of which is affected by the weather. Using
information from an outdoor digital thermometer, a controller
varies the amount of power supplied to the electroforming tank
where the copper sculpture grows. The colder the temperature is,
the higher the voltage is in the tank, which causes a faster,
grainier growth. A warmer temperature lowers the voltage, resulting
in a smaller object with a smoother texture. The completed sculpture
is removed from the tank each Wednesday evening and hung on a
wire in chronological order of production. The bloom quickly develops
a patina, while the excess copper sulfate drips onto an aluminum
canvas underneath, creating crystalline designs. Process, product
and byproduct all become "the art" in this transmutation of weather,
electricity and chemistry. |
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Materials:
weather, digital thermometer, Stamp microprocessor, custom electronics,
servo-motor, voltage rectifier, copper anodes, electrolyte, titanium,
steel, alligator clips, wire, fluorescent lights, Plexiglas, glass,
aluminum, wood, rubber gloves, protective goggles and the weekly
help of a gallery assistant.
A
"weather bloom" made on the second week of the installation |
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The
sixth week of the exhibition at the Betty Rymer Gallery in Chicago
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