Adding windows

Improving the vision

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I’ve only ever viewed my process as additive. This is the first sculpture where I’m deliberately subtracting material.

The time-consuming, yet transformative, phase of this sculpture is creating “windows” by removing the rod between the diamond shapes.

Before/After

no window / window

This step has completely opened up the three panels. I believe the piece feels more inviting.

The rod in between felt like it was blocking you out. I initially liked the symbolism of it (to the point where I was referring to this piece as “Outside of It”). With the three-dimensional pattern moving like a wave out toward you, there is very much a front and a back.

I hesitated for a long time to cut out these middle rods. Once I realized my hesitation was less to do with concept and more about effort it’d take to cut out all 96 windows, I saw that the sculpture required it.

The window-cutting process

Each section requires 4 cuts. I shove my cutting blade into the corners where the V’s meet. To get the correct angle, I can only cut half-way through the 3/8” rod. (It seems unwise to put pressure on a rotating blade cutting up toward my face, so I flip the panel upside down to make cuts on the other side. They meet in the middle.)

cutting and flipping and cutting again

Even after all four cuts, I often still have to bang it with my mini sledge hammer until the pieces will come free.

This phase is very physical.

After I remove the center rods, there is material left over that I need to grind down. I’m still welding some parts, finding little spots I missed, and also knocking off BBs as I see them.

It’s worth it for the transformation

As laborious, and frankly not fun, as this phase is, the results are worth it. The piece feels completely transformed – more welcoming and intentional.

Honestly, I’ve been dragging my feet a little on finishing this piece. 1) The physical toll has forced me to slow down, 2) When I step away and work on something else, I’m reminded I enjoy metalworking (ha), and 3) I’m a bit unsure of the logistics for installing it the way I envision. I might need to pull in outside help, which goes against my hyper-independent inclination.

But if I can pull it off, it might be amazing. Both the hardship and the excitement sustain me and keep me invested in this journey.

<3 stay curious

jj

P.S. I created a new space within Substack to play, for interests outside of sculpture.