groundwork
PULLMAN HISTORIC SITE, CHICAGO, IL
SEPTember 19 – OCTober 20, 2014
“Groundwork” was a reflection on history, labor, industry, boundaries, and growth sited around and inside the historic Pullman Factory in Chicago, Illinois. The first phase of the project was a community iron pour in front of the factory where members of the community made tiles that were then installed on-site. The second phase was an installation inside the factory that used remnants from the iron pour as well as other found and fabricated work.
While researching the history of Pullman I realized that I wanted to bring the foundry/assembly line process alive instead of just referencing it in an abstract way. The idea of a community iron pour felt right because it resonated with both Pullman’s strong tradition of community and its industrial past. I also loved the idea of a group of artisans working with people in the neighborhood and sharing the experience of creating together.
With thanks to Kelly Ludeking and Eric W. Stephenson for their help organizing and running the iron pour. Additional thanks to JB Daniel, Mosnart, Pullman Arts, the Pullman Historic Site, and the Pullman community for hosting.
COMMUNITY IRON POUR
“The iron pour brings to life the community and foundry history of the factory in a dramatic and fiery way- an exciting chance for the public to participate in and learn about the processes that used to happen within the factory. Remnants from the pour create a site-specific installation within the factory, supplemented by other found and existing works. This more reflective installation offers an outside perspective on the spirit that built Pullman and the events that lead to its present state.”
INSTALLATION
After the iron pour, I gathered the leftover remnants – drips of metal, coal, debris on the ground- and assembled them into a site-specific installation within the clock tower. I consider these elements a poetic and eloquent trace of the event- by drawing attention to them I hope to emphasize the beauty within the industrial and create some uncertainty about what was found and what was made.
“Groundwork,” kiln cast aluminum
The end of the Pullman line was near my studio in Oakland- this piece was made by taking a mold of the ground there and casting it in aluminum. The repetitive work of manufacturing tends to leave consistent marks and traces on the ground- by casting these I wanted to draw attention to these usually invisible patterns.
"Strata," wood, glass, steel, light, dust
When photographing the factory I was repeatedly struck by the beautiful patterns created by the crumbling bricks within the architecture. Strata references those patterns and attempts to stratify/make solid the layers of dust that fall through the space through the interaction of glass and light.
Detail of “Strata”
