Jellyfish Installation Swan's Island Educational Society, February 2016- February 2018
Not long ago, the Maine coast was awash with an enormous bloom of moon jellyfish. I was transfixed by the play of light and colors on their translucent, circular bells, drifting peacefully through the harbors—a visitation of exquisite delicacy.
I’ve wanted to see artwork in this space since the library was built. It’s a beautiful space, with a high ceiling, clerestory windows around the entire circumference, and shifting patterns of natural daylight. Let your thoughts drift, and you might imagine underwater creatures playing in that light.
Using materials as translucent as moon jellies—silk gauze and chiffon—I created nearly 100 of these beautiful creatures. I made a mold of ceramic and paraffin wax, placed the silk inside the mold, and infused it with two layers of epoxy resin colored with turquoise or emerald surfboard tint. Smaller jellies were cast in small bowls. Due to the handmade nature of the pieces, each one is unique.
Suspended with fishing line and swivels, I attained the effect of movement. The lightest breeze—even just someone walking across the room—will cause a gentle jellyfish dance as the light glows through their colorful bulbs. An unexpected but delightful effect is the sound emanating from the swivels, which reverberate with the bloom’s movement, like water running over rocks.
In creating an installation inspired by this island community, I’ve discovered the many nuances that permeate the artwork and speak to its viewers.
I’ve wanted to see artwork in this space since the library was built. It’s a beautiful space, with a high ceiling, clerestory windows around the entire circumference, and shifting patterns of natural daylight. Let your thoughts drift, and you might imagine underwater creatures playing in that light.
Using materials as translucent as moon jellies—silk gauze and chiffon—I created nearly 100 of these beautiful creatures. I made a mold of ceramic and paraffin wax, placed the silk inside the mold, and infused it with two layers of epoxy resin colored with turquoise or emerald surfboard tint. Smaller jellies were cast in small bowls. Due to the handmade nature of the pieces, each one is unique.
Suspended with fishing line and swivels, I attained the effect of movement. The lightest breeze—even just someone walking across the room—will cause a gentle jellyfish dance as the light glows through their colorful bulbs. An unexpected but delightful effect is the sound emanating from the swivels, which reverberate with the bloom’s movement, like water running over rocks.
In creating an installation inspired by this island community, I’ve discovered the many nuances that permeate the artwork and speak to its viewers.