This
category of work is the most dynamic of the sculptures I’ve
done. It seems a natural combination to me to use water with stone;
either contained within a holding vessel or moving as a stream. We
all see water and stone around us in a simple pool or a river. It holds
endless possibilities of form and function to produce sculptures that
use these two fundamental elements of the earth.
The Japanese
use a vessel-like form of a stone called a chozubachi to hold water
for religious and ceremonial purposes. But also use these in a natural
setting to bring a larger natural relationship into a small space. I
like the idea of symbolizing nature in miniature through this type of
sculpture.
I have also
produced works in which water flows from within the stone outwardly to
a hidden basin. This is the effect a stream has in nature. The water
flows and is bounded by a bank or contained border. The stone acts as
the border and its shape is the sculpture while the water travels through
it is like sand poring through an hour glass; somehow showing the passage
of time.
In nature,
stone and water are everywhere. Stone is solid and immobile; water is
liquid and ever-changing. Moving over stone, the sound of water soothes
and heals. Which is the stronger element of the two?
Though the sound
Of the cascade
Long since has ceased,
We still hear the murmur
Of its name.
Japanese poem in the Hyuakunin
isshu
