TRANSITIONS
ARCH
CONCEPT
The ARCH, designed as the finishing line is also a metaphor for self growth. As the base is securely fixed to its foundation, both arms tapering upwards toward a point, symbolizing the foundation of proper race training, as the committed journey, filled with anxiety, tension and excitement tapers towards the gates of Victory.
-
The Arch symbolizes the potential of human achievement and the Gateway to becoming a Triathlete.
-
As a Triangle Arch it mirrors the sport of Triathlon in its three disciplines of swimming, cycling, running.
-
Arch Materials: 14 gauge steel plate with metal rod under frame, welded to the Site Base Plate.
-
Arch Measurements: 6’ W x 11” H x 1’ D, the foot base of the Arch measures 1’ x 1’ square each
Purchase ARCH Poster
(Click image to expand)
DRAWING
MAQUETTE
FABRICATION
PATINA
INSTALLING
STAGES
DRAWING
Finishing a Triathlon is a feeling like no other! Illustrating the crossing of this threshold was a challenge and took on various redesigns. The first designs were illustrated as two planar walls (seen in the cyclists and runner drawings). The idea of crossing the finish line was symbolized by crossing the space between these walls.
A later redesign called for something a little simpler. The Archway in the form of a triangular shape was decided upon, based on its simplicity, vertical design aesthetic and symbology. The 'Tri' in triangle took on sub-theme to the 'Tri'-athlon subject of the sculpture.
The following drawings illustrate the final descisions of scale, material and design of the Transitions ARCH.
MAQUETTE
Taking the ARCH drawing to the next step would call for developing a small scale three dimentional version known as a Maquette. This Maquette is intended to illustrate a materialized version of the ARCH Idea, sculpted to reflect the intended design, composition, and arrangement. This fabricated maquette becomes the representation of my concept as a whole, allowing myself and my client to understand what the design, material, projected cost and build time will be for the final monumental version.
Made of oven cardboard, scotch tape and foam board, the ARCH is painted to reflect the intended look. Always allowing for creative adjustments, the ARCH's width is adjustable, which allows me to further tweek the position in the overall composition.
FABRICATION
The fabrication of the ARCH was outsourced to Serett Metalworks in Brooklyn, N. Y.. Conveying my idea by making availabe my Drawings and Maquette of the ARCH to the engineers and fabricators of Serett made the process of developing the ARCH from conceptual idea to Monument possible.
Once the Engineers approved the Redline Drawings, the Metal was ordered, prepped, cut and welded into shape. Grinding all sharp edges down till the metal was safe to touch as a safety measure is crucial for Public Sculpture.
The basic design of the triangluar Arch with its flat planes and basic angles, made the fabrication of the ARCH a simple callenge for the expert welders of Serett.
(Click image to expand)
PATINA
A green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period. Though the selected metal used to fabricate the ARCH would oxidize naturally over time, I decided to speed up the process by artificially oxidizing the ARCH to get the desired look and feel I wanted to convey. By presenting a rustic look, the ARCH reinforces the image of the commitment, training and practice over the passage of time, experienced by each and every Triathlete participating in the sport of Triathlon!
INSTALLING
Installing the ARCH and the other elements of Transitions through Triathlon at the Riverside Park South location was met with traffic and rain. Due to these challenges the installation was carried over into a second day. The Base Frame went into the ground first, firmly attached to the site with bolts and spot welds. Next the ARCH was installed, using a hoist, rope, scafolding and spot welding.
The following day, VICTORY along with the other cast of swimmers, CYCLISTS, and RUNNER were spot welded to the Base Frame. Finally the day of completion has come. The last weld was met with a small applause by myself and the installation crew.
