Strata

Sculpture

-

Exhibit Envoy

Name/Title

Strata

Entry/Object ID

PS.50

Made/Created

Artist

Robynn Smith

Dimensions

Height

12 in

Width

26 in

Depth

18 in

Dimension Notes

Box size is 30" x 24" x 7"H, must travel flat

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Artist Commentary

Label

This work is based on two visits, one year apart, to Fagradalsfjall, the recent volcanic eruption in Grindavik, Iceland. Approaching the lava field the first time, after a long hike through a bleakly beautiful landscape, the enormous, black moonscape was heaving, steaming and groaning. The relentless wind grew still as I came to the edge of the heaving pile. Outside sound disappeared, replaced with the creaking and breathing of the lava itself. The thick, crusty, grey/black strata was laced with thin veins of iridescent color. An intimacy developed as I examined the tiny worlds of experience that lay within the huge, volcanic mass. A year later, no longer moving and steaming, the lava lay heavy and black. Fine lines of green and silver grasses had grown up in the crevices, attesting to the resilience of nature. Unlike the first visit, there were no tourists around. No people at all. Just me, experiencing the wonder of the newest landscape on earth.

Label Type

Technique or Process

Label

Mixed techniques of linoleum relief plates and photopolymer intaglio plates. Four plates in total, created from drawings of the lava field, are printed over each other. Stitched threads hold elements of the prints together, while creating counterpoints of line and color. Silk Cut linoleum relief plates, Solarplate intaglio plates, Caligo SafeWash etching ink, silk thread on a variety of Japanese and European papers