Three days this week were devoted to dismantling and reassembling a sculpture titled ‘Rock Rest’. The piece was designed and constructed last December at my stone yard with the intention that it would eventually be installed at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center’s new sculpture garden. On Sunday I numbered and catalogued the 50+ stones in the piece and transported them, by five truck and trailer loads, seven miles to Brattleboro. The stones were spread out across the parking lot in preparation for placement in the piece.
On Monday I excavated 18” of gravel, down to slate ledge, and began setting the stones at the desired angle and position. I had photos of the original piece and a plot drawing to orient their placement in the space between the museum and a neighboring building. Each stone was lassoed with chain and suspended from the loader bucket for setting in place.
By Tuesday morning, two of the three sections were completed and Rock Rest was beginning to look like its old self again. The piece will anchor the east side of the garden with an overlook toward Connecticut River and Wantastiquet Mountain. Soon to be installed at the west end of the garden is a metal sculpture by Jim Cole. Many of Rock Rest’s stones make good seats and perches for adults. For kids, the piece will make a great place to expend some energy scrambling and climbing.
Many thanks to BMAC staff, garden committee and donors. Rock Rest could not have become a reality without their dedication and assistance. Special thanks to E and to Peter Mauss for photo documenting the process.
On Monday I excavated 18” of gravel, down to slate ledge, and began setting the stones at the desired angle and position. I had photos of the original piece and a plot drawing to orient their placement in the space between the museum and a neighboring building. Each stone was lassoed with chain and suspended from the loader bucket for setting in place.
By Tuesday morning, two of the three sections were completed and Rock Rest was beginning to look like its old self again. The piece will anchor the east side of the garden with an overlook toward Connecticut River and Wantastiquet Mountain. Soon to be installed at the west end of the garden is a metal sculpture by Jim Cole. Many of Rock Rest’s stones make good seats and perches for adults. For kids, the piece will make a great place to expend some energy scrambling and climbing.
Many thanks to BMAC staff, garden committee and donors. Rock Rest could not have become a reality without their dedication and assistance. Special thanks to E and to Peter Mauss for photo documenting the process.
Dan,
ReplyDeleteThis looks very cool! I will be in Brattleboro in a couple of weeks and will definitely check it out.
Thanks for the tea and company. We did not make it to see your new work but will see it soon. Thanks again for your friendship and we hope Elin feels better soon. T.J. and George
ReplyDeleteHi Michael,
ReplyDeleteExciting changes coming to Brattleboro's lower Main Street. The Food Co-op's new building is taking shape and a waterfront park along the Connecticut River.
Thanks for the comment, and for stopping by to see Rock Rest.
Hi George and T.J.,
ReplyDeleteHope you'll get a chance to check out Rock Rest on your next date night in the big town.
Best,
Dan