Four, 2018 [hickory, wax]
As part of Spatial Investigations studio, we had a group project that involved using reclaimed wood on campus and making them into benches for the campus to use. The five of us all collaborated on the design, structure, and construction of this series. Inspired by Jenny Holzer’s marble benches, this project is broken up into four parts, with each bench gradually lowering in height until the final bench rests on the ground - similar to a tombstone. In collaboration with the Paulson Initiative, our project is meant to demonstrate the cyclical nature of human life; the four seasons, the four years of college, and so on. The wood was only treated with wax to hold off on the molding process for as long as possible, but we know there will be a point where the wood will inevitably meet the earth once again.
This project was featured on Wellesley College’s The Daily Shot. Here’s an excerpt:
“Kayli Balin ’20 enjoyed building the benches and assembling the legs. “Using power tools, my hands, and my mind to put these benches together was the most enriching part,” she said. “I learned a lot about woodcrafting and construction that I think is really useful regardless of major, interests, or artistic ability.”
Suzanne Langridge, director of the Paulson Initiative, pointed out the sustainability aspect of the project. “The wood used for the benches not only reuses but also upcycles the larger logs into an art installation as well as functional furniture,” she said. “The wood is from a known, local source, milled on site, and placed with thought and understanding of the landscape and built environment.””
Below are some pictures that capture our construction and installation process:
