Nitrogen

After my first couple of attempts at sculpting, I humbly realized just how much I needed to learn. So I was eager.

This time, I wanted to make something original and colorful for the garden. My mind immediately saw the seven colors of the light spectrum. What (other than a rainbow) could I make that has seven distinct components? A Nitrogen atom has seven electrons spinning around the nucleus. That sounded like a cool and fun challenge.

New learning on this project included the use of steel rods for strength and the use of “hardware cloth” (wire mesh) as a shell for the concrete to stick onto.

Many happy hours were spent in the studio puzzling out and fiddling with the structure. The creative tension was fueled by the uncertainty if my design would be strong or if it would fracture and fall apart. Time will tell.

Instead of arranging the 7 colors (ROYGBIV) in consecutive order around the wheel, I laid those colors down on every other ball. That way it distributes the color better and carries the eye around the wheel twice to see the colors in their proper order. I like that! 😊

There is so much more to learn and I am anxious for that. However, I don’t want to fall into the same over-producing trap that I remember from stained glass days. There will be end-of-sculpting-life sooner rather than later. Just not this soon. 😬

I am pleased to present my interpretation of Nitrogen.