Alright everyone gather around A Gentle Nudge. Inspired by an imagined view looking upward from within a peat bog this sculpture invites interaction. With a gentle nudge from below the sculpture was designed to swing freely above viewers’ heads. Isn’t that neat?
The story of A Gentle Nudge sculpture started with an unusual muse. The body of a humpback whale washed up on the Washington coast. This event occurred during a residency at the ESPY Foundation. The whale’s form inspired the artist in its creation.
The artist experimented with ice casting. This process helped establish the sculpture’s unique materiality.
A Gentle Nudge, originally named “Seeps of Winter” comes from a poem. The poem is titled “Bog Queen” by Seamus Heaney. It appears in his collection, North.
Originally displayed at Suyama Space, the sculpture’s construction is quite interesting. Newspapers were ground into pulp. Then, the pulp was mixed with methylcellulose, wax, and fumed silica. This mixture was then applied to carved foam forms. Thin netting acted as a release agent.
After air-drying the molds thin rigid sections were removed. These sections were fused together using more raw pulp. The rigid groups of skins were bonded to plywood structures. These plywood structures bolted to one another.
During the exhibition the sections were suspended. Then, they were bolted together. More raw pulp was applied to cover the seams between sections. Rip lines were embedded in the pulp seams. This allowed separation of the sections at the close of the exhibition.
The sculpture measured 10 feet high 50 feet wide and 30 feet long. It nearly filled the exhibition space. Only a one-foot gap remained around its perimeter. This created an immersive experience for viewers.
Imagine standing beneath A Gentle Nudge. It sways gently overhead. Light filters through its textured surface creating an ethereal glow. The sculpture embodies both the fragility and resilience of nature. It connects us to the hidden worlds beneath the surface. This is a testament to the power of art. It transforms our perspective and deepens our appreciation for the environment.
So next time you see A Gentle Nudge remember its journey. From a whale on the beach to a poem about a bog. It is a story of transformation and connection. It highlights the beauty found in unexpected places.