7 Pillars, 2022

Salvaged Mylar Snack Bags, Salvaged PVC, LED Lighting, Wood, Steel

Dimensions: 80” L x 60” W x 83” H

The form is inspired by the endangered Pillar Coral. It is a hard species found in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is a digitate coral - that is, it resembles fingers growing up from the sea floor without any secondary branching. I was drawn to the anthropomorphic nature of the form and the symbolism of human hands manipulating the face of the planet. An outstretched hand also can offer or receive help.

This piece uses several thousand discarded mylar chip bags that have been attentively collected, cleaned, cut, and sculpted. This material is widely used for food packaging, but is not biodegradable nor recyclable. The scale of the piece speaks to the magnitude of consumer waste and asks the viewer to consider the artist's process.

The colorful light emitted from LED lamps installed on the base within the sculpture permeate the “skin” and reflect off the metallic surfaces. The piece can be viewed under normal indoor lighting conditions, but the LED effects are enhanced under dim lighting.  As a secondary impact, the light reflecting on surrounding walls creates an immersive experience.

I hope to draw attention to the intersectionality of plastic pollution and climate change that is eradicating coral reef populations at unprecedented rates.

The sculpture is intended to rest on the floor with viewing access from around the perimeter. The lighting component requires one 3-prong power outlet. For ease of transport and install, the sculpture can be broken down into two parts to clear a standard doorway.