Public Sculptures: Spiral Spirals

The Spiral Spirals series features varied arrangements of helixes. In my blacksmith shop, I hammer different diameters of hot round steel bars into long tapers. These tapers are then wrapped around mandrels into tightly packed, cone-shaped pieces. Finally, when the metal is very hot, my assistant and I use a winch to stretch them out to their full length. Varied heat levels and cross sections affect the malleability of the steel, resulting in natural variations in shape that give each spiral its unique character.

In the improvisational "heat of the moment," I encourage, amplify, and direct these variations. Once forged, the spirals are composed into groups of three, with careful attention to their interplay. These groups are shaped and supported by an Archimedean conic spiral, creating a cohesive structure that balances the individuality of each helix.

Powder-coated in vibrant colors like turquoise, the Spiral Spirals sculptures project powerfully from a distance and are especially striking when lit at night. The upward energy of these pieces, combined with their graceful movement in the wind, invites close-up contemplation while creating a strong visual impact from afar.

-Christopher Thomson