Artistic Rationale

As an artist, I strive to attain a degree of certainty and sense of continuity in an ever-changing social and built milieu.  I am compelled to explore intrinsic natural form and process. This active pursuit employs the classical techniques of sculpture to interpret a philosophical tradition; the ancient perspective on universalism, cyclic natural systems and the quest for equilibrium between opposing forces .

I am  inspired by  the nature experience, the process of change and by living at the turn of a millennium. This rare event  presents an opportunity for collective reflection on evolution. At this time, visual imagery, as presented by an ever-more encompassing, technologically driven, and centralized media, continues to focus on confrontation,  conflict and turmoil within a global dimension.

Through the nexus of various symbols such as the lotus flower, fish, dove and moon crescent, a transcendence of the division, alienation and de-sensitisation that often results from  this pervasive  global media phenomenon is implied.

The rejuvenating and transformative nature of the surf/ocean experience can be seen to be suggested by dynamic abstract form. The appearance and associated ideas of larger scale sculptures are enhanced through extraordinary illumination, complementary performance art and on- going public participation.

 " I  am inspired by being alive at the turn of a millennium. This rare milestone presents an ideal opportunity for collective reflection on evolution."   

The dynamism of the wave sculpture design reflects  the powerful  ocean, surf  and foreshore experience. At a new millennium  these sorts of nature experiences continue to contribute to the development of true contemporary Australian  cultural identity.

A twist of light and shadow arcing to the sky with the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

Some of the comments and interpretations of the sculpture while on  display  that have been received are listed below:

• "A fitting tribute to the very rare event of a turn of a millennium."
• "A visual melody of curves, reminiscent of the stretching and twisting of martial arts or yoga."
• "I see an elephants foot……..."
• "Timeless- yet without a place in the present."
• "The MWM displays the balance, dynamic and integrity...these things are  expected of classical art."
• "A substantial three-dimensional wave and light mandala."
• "A massive yet elegant and refined development of the principal of the circle and curve"
• "A calculated, multifaceted series of wave forms and skewed arches throwing sweeping shadows and silhouettes everywhere."
• "…….a monolithic abstraction of the oceanic wave formation based on the circular plan."
• "Its like a giant limestone lotus flower."
• "One of  the most artistically outstanding abstract sculptures carved in the final years of the 2nd millennium AD.
• From: njowske@hotmail.com
  Anyone interested in the discussion of beauty and significance should visit the marcofabbro site and study his "peace" monument.... EXACTLY what I am suggesting public art can be. This work is sensitive to both site and sensibilities and succeeds at being simultaneously beautiful AND thought provoking... a reaffirmation of what sculptors were once capable of and expected to do on a public site before they took on the academia appointed crusade of "educating" by confusing or offending the masses. It is proof that one can generate art that enriches the spirit and landscape and communicate to the PUBLIC...an admirable goal for PUBLIC art. The piece is also extrodinary for contemporary public SCULPTURE as it is a powerful FORM! How inspiring... how rare. No globby drippy snotty surfaces to camoflage a malformed mush? No moving parts or "interactive experiences" to validate the mundane? No cast found objects to lend the ugly precious "relevance"? A strong, clear, controlled, complex form...from a SCULPTOR?! Bravo!!  . Please visit http://rubert.com/outdoor-art/  for more discussion about the role of Public Art

For more images of this large scale artwork press here