For some reason or another, I am drawn to heavy duty, well built or even overbuilt construction. I think part of it may be that I get a sense of satisfaction out of something that's durable and made to last; also, I'm not interested in going at length through all the necessary calculations so as to minimize the amount of strength required. As a precaution and so as to reduce risk of failure, I aim toward the other extreme. There are times though when a project of mine does not have quite the durability that I had expected. In situations like that, the piece will exist in a more fragile state, but should function be an important factor, I seek out a way to reinforce the piece and make it stronger. I use this word loosely. When I talk about strength, I'm thinking of it in terms of implied in addition to the physical characteristics and ability to withstand force. When reinforcing the piece is not an option, I look for a way to protect the piece during storage and transport, as in a crate or space in which the object can reside.I'm thinking of these things in relation to my sculptures and also in terms of architectural space. In order to create an installation of my work, I'm considering how I might convert a traditional gallery space into an industrial setting, one set up like a warehouse/shipping yard. In that case, some of these industrial design elements can be infused in my work and in the units I create, sculptures in themselves, which replace the traditional white pedestal.
