DONALD FORTESCUE

On the Level, 2000

MONUMENTAL SCULPTURE wood  
96 x 120 x 96 in
244 x 305 x 244 cm

Installation of 68 wood elements fabricated from recycled old growth redwood. There is a pair each of 34 different sizes varying from 4" diameter and 2.5' tall to 12" diameter and 8' tall. In the photos shown here, the installation hangs from the ceiling, about 6” off the ground and occupies a space about 10’ wide 8’ deep. "But it could be configured in any number of ways", says Fortescue. "In its first installation in New York in the early 2000’s, it was set up as a 40’ long line running along two walls of the gallery.
The grouping could be broken up too. It is essentially two identical sets of 34 pieces. So it could be divided in half and installed as two works readily enough. But of course I would prefer to keep the group together in one location."
Each of the coopered spindles is left raw with the wood unfinished, apart from the branded signature and specific designation for each spindle etched near the base of each piece.
All the staves for each spindle are cut out and shaped with traditional woodworking machines and handwork - like wine barrels, no lasers or robots involved! Each piece consists of two coopered cones joined at their widest points to form a spindle shape. All of the bottom parts are 23" tall. This results in a natural line or level that connects the mid-zones of each spindle in the array.
Every spindle, while formally similar to its neighbor, is essentially an individual. The full array creates a distinct form and each element makes a unique contribution to the whole. There is a fractal quality to the work. The overall form that is perceived from a distance, dissolves as you get closer to the work to reveal a whole new level of structure, detail, color, mark?making and materiality. Much like a grove of redwood trees.
Please contact the gallery for any additional details.

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