About the Work: Cyclist is a textured sheet metal sculpture with natural rusted patina. No paint or chemicals have been used, rather aged into a deep natural finish. It is created from a single sheet in one piece. The figure, as in all Chavenelle minimal sculpture, has no features, hair, or clothing. Thus it is inclusive of all viewers regardless of ethnicity or age. A wonderful silhouette, the rider is created of the same sheet of metal- then curved and bent into a riding stance. Gail urges you to see two wheels from one sheet of metal – one is positive; one is negative. Gail shares her environmental responsible designs. Notice in the close up – even unexpected lichen adds a texture coating – completing the rusted metal finish and adding color. It reminds us that nature, the waters – all our environment completes us.
How does Cyclist inspire sustainability, provoke community dialogue, and celebrate our natural world?
With the design of two wheels coming from a single piece of metal, the positive/negative design is a talking point. What else can be created this way? How about a bird with one wing the positive and one the negative? With a textured layered natural rust with lichen adding the color instead of paint, Cyclist invites a moment of reflection. This is truly a celebration of the natural world. Cycling as a mode of transportation and health is a topic for discussion. And…remember… RAGBRAI will end in Dubuque in July.
How does Cyclist support sustainability?
Environmental sustainability is a must and is addressed in Gail’s sculpture by minimizing waste as part of every sculpture design. Sharing a sculpture with positive /negative wheels is an example of sustainable art. This rust finish used no paint nor chemicals. Chavenelle also eliminates hazardous material in companies with which she does business.
About the Artist: For over 20 years, Gail has created successful corporate and public sculpture. Beginning with childhood paper dolls, chains, and pop-out books, Gail Chavenelle has been intrigued by paper sculpture. She loved the forms, but wanted the works to be more permanent. Instead of a sheet of paper, she works with sheets of steel. Gail is interested, as paper sculpture, in creating expanded and three dimensional images from a flat sheet. Gail Chavenelle has worked from 22 gauge sheet steel to 1/4 inch for larger sculpture. Her forms have been used in temporary one- year street exhibits, library stand alone and wall art, neighborhood parks, and hospital green roof top gardens. Her public sculpture are part of city permanent collections. As all Chavenelle sculpture, the figures are inclusive. With no features, hair or clothing styles, her sculpture represents all viewers. Environmental sustainability is a must and is addressed in her sculpture by minimizing waste as part of every sculpture design. She also eliminates hazardous material in companies with which she does business.
Website: http://www.chavenellestudio.com