NB: You have some central themes in FIAT LUX—can you address some of them? Modular repetitions, tension, optical qualities of materials, use of empty space?
RC: Well, the elements in your list are for me poetic design tools to get at something more elusive. Fiat Lux is more an overall theme of the show, which directly translates to "Let light be made." This concept for me is my way of attempting to find ways of aligning myself with what I see is the larger creative force that is our existence-- and then exploring ways to share the inspiration I feel working on art. So utilizing concepts like iteration, fractals, quantum mechanics, chemistry, biology, physics, scale (and the list goes on and on) help me try to understand, in a more intimate way, the nature of what we are. By creating physical manifestations of these ideas, however awkwardly, helps me move toward this concept of Fiat Lux.
NB: There is a strong spiritual element to the work. Axis Mundi is a direct reference to the cosmic axis in religion or mythology, the connection between Heaven and Earth, the higher and lower realms. The image appears in art history in both religious and secular contexts. You have expressed to me that it is important that art engages spirituality as a central part, not in a religious way, but in the largest humanist way.
RC: Well first off, to be honest, I didn't know what Axis Mundi was when I was making the piece (laughs). The concept for the piece started around the idea of how rain falling for some can cause a catastrophic situation but for others rain falling can be a solution to a catastrophic situation --but in the end the rain is rain either way. The overall idea was based in Buddhism and how natural elements function in our world.
36" diameter 7" off wall
Simpson Foundation straps and steel
