Steel with a Twist

35 x 3.5 x 3 in., steel, charred oak, 2023

A twist of polished black steel wire dances next to a rugged steel rectangle in this asymmetrical totem. The wire, tie wire, is a humble material, used to bind rebar on construction sites before concrete is poured. Though steel, it is annealed (heat treated) to make it soft, Which allows me to twist it by hand. The rusty surface on the right is one side of a length of steel angle. L shaped in profile, the bar is flat on the front and side of this, its subtly toned faces neatly balancing the wire's bright swirls. Asymmetry is uncommon in totems. The need to balance detail in any one with the harmony of a group requires simplicity in each. This totem walks a fine line. It will harmonize well with others, but it has enough personality to stand alone as well.