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The site-specific sculpture installed by the Riverside Walk in Farnham, is kinetic; the movement inspired by the turning and spinning movements used in so many crafts. Unlike other kinetic pieces which are often moved by natural elements (wind, water, solar etc), these huge iconic, cones invite people to move them with “a hand’s turn”.
The 21 cones made from sheets of brass, are set in two rows, spaced about 150cm apart. The corridor between the cones invites visitors to walk down a “path” between the cones and interact with the sculptures as they go. The cones themselves range from 1-2 metres in height and are set on an internal mechanism which allows a silent, free-spinning motion for each cone.
The choice of metal for this sculpture was based on the traditional use of brass as a crafting metal. An alloy of copper and zinc, the metal has excellent corrosion resistance that requires no coating or maintenance. The surface is patinated to tone down reflections and will age over time. The constant touching of the cones will build a patina unique to each cone, affected by both the substances on people’s hands but also the chemical composition of rain and the surrounding air.
Top: Maquette of the installation
Middle and bottom left: Views from the workshop
Bottom right:
View inside a cone