Ocean Chimes
a site specific sculpture
Ocean Chimes is a site-specific installation that represents the community of Long Beach, Long Island. Four acoustic vessels, emerging from different heights from the base that wraps the railing, run along the boardwalk.
These four pieces vary in size and musical tone. To emphasize this being a site-specific piece, I wanted it to interact with its physical environment.The boardwalk is typically a windy place due to the ocean breeze; and as the wind hits the inside of each vessel, differing rhythmic hums are generated.
The varying tones, along with different heights, lengths and etchings of each vessel represents a diverse community, that when together, can create a dynamic harmony.
Site Coordinates
(40.5840062, -73.6680860)
The Process
My original sketches imagined upright vessels, but due to the weight of the pipes and the stability of the wire, it ultimately made more sense to hang them upside down.Galvinized steel plumbing pipes are wrapped in copper wire for support and covered in modeling clay.While the clay dried, I etched organic designs into the backs to create a uniqueness to each vessel.