DIG LINGAMS
"Lingam Groupings", Dig, Ground Floor Show. 2007, Louisville
These pieces are all blown into a mold. I originally used the 4 1/2 inch black pipe to make some cylinder lights for a specific architectural lighting project. While making the lights i began experimenting with the different cut-off parts as well as the cylinders themselves. They all had this stoic grounded quality to them. They also reselmbed standing stones or Lingams. The more i made of these, the more felt i needed. Continuing with their element shows, the Ground Floor productions were throwing an earth themed party/show titield "dig", i couldn't resist submitting these.
Ground Floor Exhibit, "Dig" 2007
This was the third show in the Ground Floor series of exhibitions throughout louisville. This show was held on main street, literally on the ground floor of an empty warehouse. The element of celebration was earth, or earthy things, earthly things. Things that grow, or generate, or are just plain dirty.
I chose to work with repeated mold blown glass cylinders as a format for lingams. Translated from sanskrit, it means "mark" or "sign" and is represented by Shiva. In a symbolic sense the lingam represents the male generative element in nature. I wanted to have the glass pieces emerging from the 8-pointed clay stage, as if they were growing crystals. As some things grow in crystalline structure, I wanted the glass to be each unique but manifesting a shared internal order.
I chose to work with repeated mold blown glass cylinders as a format for lingams. Translated from sanskrit, it means "mark" or "sign" and is represented by Shiva. In a symbolic sense the lingam represents the male generative element in nature. I wanted to have the glass pieces emerging from the 8-pointed clay stage, as if they were growing crystals. As some things grow in crystalline structure, I wanted the glass to be each unique but manifesting a shared internal order.
The finished product for the show was mounted in a 4x4 8 sided platform. I had tried to emulate a crystaline structure of this piece growing almost randomly but all cylindrically. I really don't know how many i made for this project. Something about the mud i had on the wood and the cave-like quality of the space made this piece feel all humid and clammy...
Lingam Cluster
This cluster is made up of koopa topped cylinders, with a small dish at the top for tea candles. Each cylinder is 4 1/2" across and averaging 10-16 inches high, with a coldworked base. Set of 7!
Lingam Group
These lingams are perfect for your patio, or your subterranean crystal cavern...place candles in the open frosted lights for an illuminated evening. Each cylinder is between 4-6 inches in diameter and between 6-12 inches high. Set of 7!
The Big Dig Grouping
64 blown glass lingams, emerging from the depths of the earth...just for you! The whole installation roughly 5' across and 2' high.
Here are some lingams from around the world...
