J McDonald

78H × 24W × 30D in / 198H × 61W × 76D cm

Steel,Foam,Limeplaster,Glass

Unique

The inspiration for this piece largely comes from the simple observation that side tables are used primarily as a place to put a lamp. Here the lamp is integrated into, growing out from, clinging to, the table. We can imagine the tentacle as a creature or living growth of nature emerging from the clean, minimalist metal table. While each table is the same, each tentacle is hand sculpted and has its own character. The contrast between from and material creates an active tension in the piece, each element playing off of and accentuating the other. Metal is a modern industrial material, lending itself to sharp, clean lines and machine like precision and finish. Lime plaster is an ancient, natural material that lends itself to organic forms and possesses a tactility and a certain connection to our intuitive nostalgia for the earth. By bringing these contrasting materials together each amplifies the other's innate qualities.

"Think of the tensions between the disparate materials and forms of this piece as an analog for those in ourselves and in our society."