Deadlight Meets Dawn

This installation was inspired by the artist’s visit to an expansive water–filled low area hosting multiple dead trees trunks.  His visit was at dawn where the fog clouded visions of the multiple lights seen throughout the water-filled space.  Installed as one of the resident artists as part of the 1987 BCA annual “Within” art exhibition, this large environmental art installation spotlighted the wonder of a natural phenomenon.  Resting within the giant Cyclorama and bringing nature into the city, the sculpture depicts a linear (stream-like) body of water with a bridge crossing from one side to the other.  Attached overhead, multiple tree limbs are suspended from bright colored billowing fabric “clouds.”  The bottom ends of the limbs touch the water surface, and when moved, create ripples that disrupt the mirror image of the clouds reflected in the black plastic lined water surface.  Many of the limbs support illuminated white colored fiberglass and resin pods, depicting the light sources that Layne saw during his visit to the natural world.  Visitors suggested that his installation reflects many of Layne’s artworks, of making solemn and sacred environments that entice the viewer to enter, not with a sense of fun, but with a sense of mystery.