A Place in the Woods

A Place in the Woods, by Cathy McClure: Photo credit: ©Joseph Allen Freeman Jr.
A Place in the Woods, by Cathy McClure

Photo credit: ©Joseph Allen Freeman Jr.

Name/Title

A Place in the Woods

Entry/Object ID

2023.1.10

Description

Chandelier of laser-cut Douglas fir, with an integrated lighting system, formed to represent the microscopic cellular structures of trees, casting shadow and light to appear as a forest floor below.

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Cathy McClure

Role

Sculptor

Dimensions

Height

181 ft

Width

40 ft

Copyright

Copyright Holder

Cathy McClure

Interpretative Labels

Label

The artist is interested in creating a transformative experience, taking viewers from the chaos of the crowd to a meditative moment of wonder and calm, bringing the forest to the city. This light and shadow environment, a collaboration with architects and lighting designers, was inspired by the microscopic cellular structures of native tree species and the look of dappled light falling to the forest floor. As you enter the lobby, light streams through perforated designs based on those microscopic views that now define a macro area, promoting a slower rhythm and pace, and a connection to the natural world. “Now, rather than entering the forest, we stand at its precipice,” the artist states.

Label

I’ve become increasingly interested in what happens when people gather together in crowds. I wonder if a chaotic space can become a “A Place in the Woods” and become transportive in a moment. To test that question, I collaborated with architects and lighting designers to create a lighting feature. This light and shadow, 8000 sq ft environment was inspired by the microscopic cellular structures of trees and the look of dappled light found in the forest. As you enter the space, light streams through perforated designs based on those micro cellular structures that now define a macro area. Now, rather than entering the forest, we stand at its precipice.