art happens

I happened accross Ray Katz and crew assembling “Telos” in Sixth ST Bridge Park on my way to grab a few photos on the west side. They were in what looked like a particularly tricky stage of assmebly of the 22-foot tall metal sculpture.

Ray is from Pontiac, Michigan and is a Professor of Art at Oakland Community College the Auburn Hills Campus. It looked like they will be assembling for another day or two. I was facsinated to see the pieces come together, definetly stop in to check it out if you get the opportunity.

Here is the Description and Work Statement from the ArtPrize website:

Description of work: Stainless-Steel Sculpture constructed of numerous parts that bolt together for assembly. Has two 5′x7′ will stainles pads 3/4″ thick which allow it to be bolted to two similar concrete pads for temporary installation. Requires an outdoor space that is flat and has enough space for equipment to enter and move around during assembly. A crane and a sky track is required for its assembly.

Work statement: I have developed the physical resources to construct my sculptures in my own studio. My creative process requires organizing separate parts into a whole. Initially much of this activity is spontaneous, both in large and small scale work. The elements are all fabricated individually then assembled by welding and bolting. The act of assembly and disassembly contribute to the ease of construction and installation and add to the aura of complexity in the work and is a part of my creative process. Although I develop my work in different sizes I am committed to creating large-scale sculpture.

I have successfully installed large scale sculpture temporarily and permanently. I believe that Public Art transforms the way people look at visual phenomena in their environment. Whatever its form, Public Art attracts attention and effects peoples attitude toward their surroundings and often stimulates an exchange of ideas that can be enriching emotionally, intellectually and aesthetically.