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Mobius

Almost 30 years ago I started making Mobius rings from sterling silver and gold. I found the mathematical conundrum profound and the stylized realization was pleasing to me. In 1997 I had the inspiration to create a Mobius in Alabaster. This was so successful that I decided I would travel to Italy to execute the design in a large block of marble. While I was waiting the opportunity to go, I made three other sculptures on this theme, one in Paralam (a manufactured wood product) and two from marble.

It was during this time that I realized how deep the fear of change was running in our western society. This was brought to light for me by a series of discussions around the Y2K bug. At first, I couldn't figure out why people were getting so worked up by this potential technical glitch. Now, the sculpting of marble is a very time consuming activity. When I finally got to Italy last fall and began work, I had plenty of time to mull this over. As I worked on this two ton block, immersed in its mobius-ness with its endless line and single surface, it was easy to see change in life as the only constant. Change is the only and inevitable factor we can be sure of in our daily lives. Each day we get a chance to re-invent ourselves. We get to write a new script. The first time I stood the mobius up in a nearly finished form, I could not resist the impulse to step through the opening. A simple action to be sure. However, it brought together many various pieces of the course of my thoughts over the past several months.

The symbolism of the zero, the endless line, one surface of the mobius indicating infinity, became fused with the image of a portal. A gateway. We are passing (in our lives) through infinity. The vagina, womb shape of the sculpture is a powerful daily reminder of our birth and our daily re-birth. The flame shape brings to mind the flickering flame of our life force, incarnated at this once living things purified and hardened by pressure and the temperature of the molten core of our planet gives me a sense of my place in this world.

What I'm still having trouble with is why so many people are focusing fear of change to the date of December. 31, 1999. If you have a chance to write a new script, why this one? Perhaps it's understandable for those of the world ending was a bizarre factor, a gruesome wild card to grow up with. Historical research indicates all societies believed the world would end so this is really not new. As I said, I really don't understand it.

What is clear to me, however, is the need people have to stay focused on the inevitability of change and a reminder to embrace the possibilities. I see the "MILLENNIUM GATEWAY" as a perfect symbol for those who would like a daily reminder of the positive aspects change presents us with each moment. It is my hope that the amulets and sculptures in these precious materials will help people understand and accepts our transitory nature and remember to re-write the script of each moment with love and goodwill for all living things around us.