sculptures • kinetic 3d diagrams
holding space
I’d like to share with you a series of sculptures that I’ve been making, an evolution of my diagram drawings into three-dimensional space - four if I include a time dimension.
What does “holding space” mean?
Holding space simply refers to a state of presence and awareness without judgment, for yourself and for others. Folding this concept into the work itself, I’m creating a sense of “space” through orientation of elements and a sense of “holding” through subtle movement, a suspension or slowing of time.
Here are a few sculptures; scroll through and click the name for more photos and narrative videos!
Tell me more about these pieces and your process!
In my sculptures, I explore visceral moments of inner experience and capture them in suspended animation. As I synthesize each internal moment into a tangible artifact, I develop a deeper understanding of my experience. Both the process and the finished piece involve “holding space” for intense awareness and sensations.
Many of my pieces may seem sad, and they are in a sense, because I’m often starting with difficult material. By bringing this material out into the open though, I’m learning to experience it in a more holistic way - discovering that many expressions are simply two sides of the same coin: grief and love, beauty and pain, hope and fear, darkness and humor.
I think of all my work as diagrams, both 2D and 3D. I find great beauty in the enormous complexity contained within that which appears simple. I’m most comfortable in a realm of abstraction; blending images, symbols, and shapes. Each representational choice emphasizes the nature of the elements and their relationships. Diagramming is an art form to me, far beyond a technical term, because simplicity requires a deliberate sacrifice of detail in order to reveal the core, the essence, the fundamental truth.
If any of my pieces resonate with you, I invite you to hold space for that resonance within your own being - in your heart, mind, and body. 🩶
I also invite you to explore those themes for yourself! in your own medium of creativity (meditation, writing, drawing, coding, gardening, photography, cooking). The goal is being with whatever comes up, not changing or solving.
What are these sculptures made of?
3D printed PLA in white, black, and red; wire, metal rods, seed beads
I gotta geek out a minute. What digital tools are you using?
3d printer: Prusa i3 MK3S+ with PrusaSlicer
3d modeling: Rhino/Grasshopper, Shapr3D
vector, photo, video: Adobe Illustrator, Lightroom, Photoshop, Express
inspiration & therapy: Midjourney
misc icons & models: Noun Project, Prusa Printables, Adobe Stock, Luma Genie, Meshy, Rodin, CG Trader, Thingiverse, etc