In Play
Joseph Havel
Patinaed bronze
D. Kent and Linda C. Anderson and Jean T. Clarke Center Great Lawn, Susanne M. Glasscock
School of Continuing Studies
Gift of Leslie and Brad Bucher
All five sculptures were cast of bronze using a fabric form, confounding the material nature of the sculpture. At first glance, the orbs appear heavy and dense as traditional bronze sculptures. In fact, their hollow and intricate construction challenges the viewer’s expectations, where upon closer inspection detailed traces of the original cloth and lace forms are apparent on the surface. The surface patinas were applied with both hot and cold coats of patina. The darker orbs were buffed to reveal flashes of their metallic base surfaces while the white orbs remained untouched. They were then coated with two layers of a sealer, a matting agent, and, finally, waxed to protect their surfaces. The sculptures are in dialogue in two groupings; one on the southwest corner and the other on the northeast corner of the Great Lawn. They convey a lightness in their positioning, appearing to hover over the grass as if they could be easily nudged or rolled. In Play invites intimate inspection, contemplation, and a re-thinking of the ideas sculpture can communicate.