lantern 2004 - 06

details

:::: 4.7m (height) x 9m x 9m - square outer footprint
:::: functional fire pit located centrally
:::: sandstone (Appin, NSW), steel reinforced concrete under-structure
:::: 16 blocks of stone, all purpose quarried
:::: over 120 tonnes (stones only)
:::: private collection, installed Stanton property, Bowral, NSW

artist's statement

This work displays an architectural quality in scale and feel, while its purpose remains a mystery. The work sits on a square footprint, the corners of which are established by four larger freestanding steles. Aligned in between corner stones along each face stands a centrally positioned trilithon, forming a four-point entry arch into the work.

The stones carry a record of heavy scarring from quarrying, shaping and handling processes, and the overall established height is level at nearly three times human height.

The negative spaces in between the stones carry similar form to the crudely shaped upright stones, providing a segmented panorama of distant mountains, the sky and immediate foliage.

At night when the fire is lit the negative spaces including the open roof - often star studded - absorb the light into their black, while the stones hold it at bay. The work is suddenly transformed into a flickering cave scenario.

I have vivid recollections of our candle lit home during the frequent blackouts experienced as a child in Soviet Armenia. I recall in particular the effect of blackened doorways - those tempting portals that seemed to lead directly into infinite space.