Herb Parker
Crucible - 1995
Crucible: Cruicibulum Evolutum - 2004
Herb Parker, Charleston, SC
The first nature-based sculpture artist to install at the SC Botanical Garden in 1995. Crucible is one of the most recognized pieces in the collection and is built over a natural spring, which feeds the stream that runs along side the sculpture. At first installation, the structure was covered with moss, ferns and rocks. As time passed, this natural plant material subsided and a new vision was cast in 2004. This time, the structure was completely covered with rock, a sitting space was added and stairs to the hosta garden above was constructed.
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Contact InformationHerb Parker School of the Arts 843.953.8213 |
Artist Statement
Crucible: a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development. This definition corresponds most closely with the aspirations I have for this work. The architectonic structure composed of steel, cement and earth is a site-specific installation. The site was chosen because of the presence of a natural spring. The compositional elements, dome, spiral and oval were selected to reinforce the nurturing, life-giving properties of water. These elements conspire to create essential ingredients for life, water, light and shelter. This is a living sculpture; it will evolve over time.
On another level, I view this work as a contemplative space. I hope this temple/sanctuary/source will evoke a spiritual awareness of one's environment as well as one's self.
In more general terms my work speaks in a hybrid language from three distinct realms: architecture (experience), sculpture (objectiveness) and landscape (medium). The ideas/issues revolve around time, movements, history, culture, spirituality, entropy and regeneration.
Herb Parker, 1995 |
Crucible, 1995
Crucible: Crucibulum Evolutum, 2004 |
