After a week of bending, twisting, and shaping of willow saplings around Civic Center's pruned sycamore trees...
...Patrick Dougherty's wooden sculptures continue to take shape.
When I asked Patrick on Thursday how far down the rows of sycamores the sculpture was going to proceed...
...he replied, "We're not really sure yet."
"Good answer," I said, a la "Family Feud."
Watching this sculpture come together, which is currently slated to stay up through November, has been lots of fun.
9 comments:
:) Thanks for the update! I'll be sure to check it out on my next foray to the neighborhood.
I stopped to check these out today. I thought the interesting element would be the sight of the woven shapes among the trees. In person it turned out to be the textures and light through the gaps. Pictures don't get across how alive this work is.
Dear Jon: You're absolutely correct, of course, which means you've given me a serious photographic challenge. I'll do my best.
November? I would have thought the trees would be in bloom by April or May, which should push the sticks and twigs all over the place.
They do look fascinating.
Matty Boy: There are actually only one or two of the gnarled burls encased within each structure. The holes and gaps are aligned with Spring growth in mind, allowing sunlight in and new growth out. Plus, the sticks are woven into pretty substantial forms - we occasionally stand in them as we're building. (I'm fortunate to be one of Patrick's assistants on this project.) The trees and sculpture should get along nicely throughout the year.
Thanks for the info, LOVEJOY. I hope the stuff that's upso far survived the winds last night. Over here in Oakland we had about 30 minutes of an ungodly howl.
Dear Lovejoyart: Thanks for the explanation from a literal insider.
Hello Dave!
This intriguing art brings to mind my favorite Dr. Suess story about the Lorax and the Truffula trees. So tell me, do you speak for the trees? And if so, what do you say?
Hugs from your most regal fan,
Queen Naughty Mickie
Mike
I appreciate your ongoing coverage of Art in the "piazza." (I also read with interest your post on Monolo Valdes sculptures.) I travel through the park often on my way to the Asian or the PL and was delighted to see Dougherty's piece underway last Friday in this criminally underutilized space. I'm hoping that Upper Crust will lure people into the park and get them to think about the vitality that art brings to public spaces.
BTW I've heard that the Mayor's office is attempting to revitalize this park with a cafe and planters, etc. Kudos to the SF Arts Commission for their ongoing support of this space.
For more background on Dougherty and this piece, your readers might be interested in the post at Venetian Red
http://venetianred.net/2009/02/18/san-franciscos-upper-crust/
Keep up the good work!
Liz Hager
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