A Trending of Composites in the Art World

Catalyzed resins and glass fiber reinforced plastics have been around for over 50 years, yet composite materials are finally beginning to evolve beyond petroleum-based products to address environmental and sustainability concerns. Research and experimentation in materials such as woven basalt fibers and water-based bio-chemical resins are leading the way to greener composite production.

Recently, when casting the leaves for ‘Premise’ by David Griggs, Demiurge partnered with Reynolds Advanced Materials to source a non-toxic two part liquid plastic casting resin which was significantly safer and easier to work with than traditional polyester resins. This single choice of resins had a trickle down effect as every step unfolded into an overall more sustainable process, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of the project-at-large. 

For more technical aspects of art fabrication, visit our blog on Archinect where this month our Lead Designer, Nick Cecchi, has an in-depth discussion of composite materials.

Premise

Demiurge recently completed production and installation of ‘Premise’, the newest public art project by artist David Griggs. The sculpture combines metal and composite elements to produce an artwork which transcends its individual component pieces to become something greater. Suspended 18 feet above the South Atrium of the Colorado Justice Center, the piece floats over a circular information desk and below a domed ceiling. ‘Premise’ is composed of a large steel wreath with cast resin leaves; below hangs a translucent sunburst form which is illuminated from within. 

Premise, Birth October 2012.

‘Premise’ represents one of the most wide-ranging and diverse set of materials and processes Demiurge has brought together in a single sculptural project. This includes structural steel, ornamental steel, fiberglass, cast resin, tensile cables, LED lighting elements along with complex textured and translucent paint schemes. Coordinating these disparate elements in pursuit of David Griggs' singular concept has been a unique challenge the Demiurge team was excited to be a part of.  

Artist’s Project Description:

The State of Colorado is building a new Justice Center, which will house the Colorado Supreme Court, the State Law Library, and the Courthouse Office Tower. This Judicial Campus contains the Court of Appeals, State Attorney General and other administrative and legal functions. The construction of the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center has generated 10 major works of Public Art worth a total of $1.7 million.

The people who conduct the daily work of the State Courts will pass through the Lobby area of the Office Tower, a 2-story ceremonial entrance space. This space, and the concerns of its users, inspired the design for “Naturae Lex”. Named after the Latin term for “natural law”, the art is anchored by a 20’ diameter self-illuminated “halo” chandelier. This will be crowned with a ring of naturalistic stems and leaves, and suspended beneath the Office Lobby dome. These elements are intended to reveal the order in nature, with it’s balance, symmetry, and proportion. This natural order is reflected in our legal system, in which ideas about fairness and justice are fully inspired by the laws of nature.

For more fabrication and installation day photos, visit our Flickr page.