Cultivus Loci - Nimbus, 1997
Nimbus was made in collaboration with Claire L. Parkinson (NASA Goddard Space Center), who provided data necessary to make the work.
The installation was made up of three copper sheathed tubes encrusted with natural sponges standing over a pool; water gently ran down through the sponges and fell onto copper tubes, some of which were wired to amplify the dripping sounds. The tubes are surrounded by 3 sets of screens. The central screen of each cluster bears a photograph of the north polar cap at different moments in its annual expansion and shrinkage; each also carries a computer-generated image of the amplitude waves created by dripping water. Commissioned by the Contemporary Art Center in Virginia Beach, Norfolk VA.
Copper tubing and plate, kodalith image, etching, natural sponges, water, audio. Dimensions variable.
While the auditory character of dripping water remains generally consistent, the timing and intensity of the sounds vary. Similarly, the seasonal fluctuation of the polar ice cap is different from year to year, though the general pattern remains the same. Screens bearing kodalith prints of the north polar cap at different points in its annual expansion and shrinkage, coupled with computer-generated images of the amplitude waves created by dripping water link this fluctuating drip to the seasonal fluctuations of the ice caps (detail top right). The endless cycle and melody of circulation may instill the feeling of remembrance and serve to awaken one’s senses to the changes and plight faced by our fragile environmental systems.
Overall dimensions: 9' x 25' x 25'
Detail: Water drips onto the hollow copper sound tubes and is amplified throughout the space
Nimbus Select, 33" x 25.5", etching.
Nimubs Five, 33" x 25.5", etching.
Detail - 26" x 36" Kodalith and Copper plate. Depicting sea ice from March 1975, Reading courtesy Claire Parkinson
Detail - 26" x 36" Kodalith and Copper plate. Depicting sea ice from September 1973, Reading courtesy Claire Parkinson
Detail - 26" x 36" Kodalith and Copper plate. Depicting sea ice from June 1974, Reading courtesy Claire Parkinson