After reading about "Stacker" on The Pacific (see Bob's entry) the Bent paid a recent visit to his shoreline installation to see how things were hanging, leaning, balancing, and generally occupying space.
"Stacker" stacks - rocks and wood - using gravity, patience, vision and touch. Thousands of pieces of natural material make up scores of temporary sculptures, temples, and curiosities, depending on the eye of the beholder.
These eyes were reminded of some of Andy Goldsworthy's work, like the dry stone walls and pinfold cones of the Sheepfolds of Cumbria County. He is another artist who creates within the concept that an artwork has a life-cycle, and will change and eventually disappear as the elements and seasons make their own contributions to each piece. Much of his work no longer exists. We can only revisit it through images and film.
Stacker's work will likely be short-lived, and cycle back into the Elliott Bay shoreline. His life will cycle down the road, to the next odd job, the next beach, and the next installation. Hopefully, passers-by and journalists will continue to chronicle the pieces of his life.
Yeah, it reminds one of Andy Goldsworthy. There is a haunting resonance for me in the concept of impermanence. It's clearly a fact, but to explicitly acknowledge and embrace it, take the concept in and hold it in the mind is a powerful thing.
Posted by: Mike Pedroncelli | August 04, 2006 at 06:41 AM
Okay, color me simplistic, but it reminds me of turtles basking....very cool and relaxing regardless.
Posted by: lisa | October 17, 2006 at 02:21 PM