Proto

2015 / Wood and iron / 30 cm sphere

The boundless forces of nature work at various different speeds when they topple human creations — some are extremely rapid and violent, while others are slower and more insidious. This wood carving shows that chains are no match for a growing tree. It also references another natural force to which humans are subjected, but which invariably goes unnoticed — that is, gravity. Like a prisoner’s ball and chain, this force prevents us from escaping the Earth’s grasp, ever holding us to the ground.