Spectral Variance
> Commissioned by Cray Research, Inc., of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Located at 100 N. Cashman Drive, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Spectral Variance was commissioned by supercomputing industry pioneer Cray Research for its Riverside Building, the foundation of Riverside Industrial Park in Chippewa Falls. Made up of 209 separately cast pieces, the manganese bronze relief is framed in oak and features a changeable format of back-lit stained glass. The sculpture represents a variety of conceptual objectives:
One characterization of art is that it represents something that is essential. I have drawn, painted and sculpted images of water and bridges. Certain characteristics of these images have emerged as more relevant, more essential than others. The long thin vertical — reflection. The thin flat surface contrasted with deep space. The movement of a current. The bridge — intricate, blocking all but small sections of light. Structural repetition — a reference to infinite progression.
A value I place on equal footing — perhaps even transcending the intellectual concerns — is that art should be beautiful. I tried to create a visual opulence, something to meet the eye.
Spectral Variance, 1986
bronze, stained glass, oak
25" x 72" x 1.5"
Located at 100 N. Cashman Drive, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Spectral Variance was commissioned by supercomputing industry pioneer Cray Research for its Riverside Building, the foundation of Riverside Industrial Park in Chippewa Falls. Made up of 209 separately cast pieces, the manganese bronze relief is framed in oak and features a changeable format of back-lit stained glass. The sculpture represents a variety of conceptual objectives:
- To create an interesting visual experience through the juxtaposition of varied materials, shapes and colors
- To physically resemble and complement the intricacy of computers
- To combine three idioms of visual art — relief sculpture, woodworking and stained glass work
- To serve as a visual metaphor, through bridge and water imagery, for the international operations that take place in the building, and to relate to the physical location of the building on a river
One characterization of art is that it represents something that is essential. I have drawn, painted and sculpted images of water and bridges. Certain characteristics of these images have emerged as more relevant, more essential than others. The long thin vertical — reflection. The thin flat surface contrasted with deep space. The movement of a current. The bridge — intricate, blocking all but small sections of light. Structural repetition — a reference to infinite progression.
A value I place on equal footing — perhaps even transcending the intellectual concerns — is that art should be beautiful. I tried to create a visual opulence, something to meet the eye.
Spectral Variance, 1986
bronze, stained glass, oak
25" x 72" x 1.5"