Need Suggestion: 36"-Diam Fiberglass Sphere

[Merlion]

I would welcome suggestions on what can I do on a 36"-diameter fiberglass sphere. I had three spheres made sometime ago, and had two of them painted as a globe. For this spare third one, I would like to do something creative.

I know some artists may not like to give suggestions to another artist. But don't worry. I am at another end of the world. Any wild or imaginative suggestions, or just comments, are welcome.

One idea is to do a collage of faces on this sphere.

[evaldart]

You can glue 4 inch plastic spikes all over it. Then paint it whatever color you like...crimson would be nice. It will be as effective an object as you can make. Watch, thrilled, as your viewers are drawn to it in fear. Successful in geometry as well as narrative. Like a force-field, there will be an invisible barrier around it ( the longer the spikes, the larger the invisible barrier). It will be absolutely irresistable, needing no more meaning beyond just that.
I have always wanted to make this in steel - but I'm too shy.

[Merlion]

Evaldart, Do you mean a very large sea urchin, like this below?

Is it true some of the early sea mines are like this, with shorter spikes?

http://www.onesunart.com/images/Urchin.JPG

[Aaron Schroeder]

Make your sphere 34 to 35 inches in diameter instead of 36 inches. Better yet make it 31 inches .........that way it'll fit through doors. Trust me on this one. I once made a sphere 33 inches in diameter and found that I was truelly limited in where it could go.

That or make it in two parts. Your choice.

[Merlion]

Aaron, The 36"-diam. sphere is already made. I agree when making sculptures that are not small, we have to consider the problems moving them around.

For instance, if I take up Evaldart's idea putting spikes on the sphere, I really have to consider these problems, and move it very carefullly. Ahhh! :eek:..:eek:

[GlennT]

Merlion;
your sphere could be part of a larger ensemble, even with just one more element. For example, at the New York world's Fair of 1939, the centerpiece was not a mere sphere but a Trylon and Perisphere combined, which made it a much more endearing and remembered image. even the occaisonal non-New Yorker may have a pair of salt and pepper shakers made in their image.

Did I read right? Evaldart calling himself shy?:confused:

[Merlion]

One idea is to do a collage of faces on this sphere.
I now seem to like this idea, limiting this to my ex-students as there must have been 5000.

But how to make a sufficiently permanent collage out of many photographs?

[evaldart]

I now seem to like this idea, limiting this to my ex-students as there must have been 5000.

But how to make a sufficiently permanent collage out of many photographs?

You will be diminishing and thwarting the third dimension. Its potency should extend, not stop at the surface. 5000 faces can indeed be a worthwhile project but theres not need for it to be on a sphere or anything other than a flat panel. Now if you were to sculpt in relief those faces on the surface, a la Gates of Hell, now that could be good...you up for that?

[GlennT]

To take Evaldart's idea one step further, how about alternating faces in an interlocking pattern a la M C Escher?

[Merlion]

Now if you were to sculpt in relief those faces on the surface, a la Gates of Hell, now that could be good...you up for that?
I notice this comment on going back to this old thread.

A modern 'Gate of Hell' not on a gate, but on a globe? I am far from the caliber of Rodin. And it does not have to be on a 36" dia fiberglass sphere. And they don't have to be just faces.

But wow! As a concept for a sculptural complex, it is fantastic. It may emotionally resonate among many people.

Edit: I already have my equivalence of the Gate of Hell's Thinker, or Dante, see below. He can be placed on top of the globe.

http://www.onesunart.com/images/Agony051015_small.JPG

[fused]

Instead of spikes, you could cover it with extensions and place shoes on them. It will leave a disorderly set of footprints everywhere you roll it.

Pull face molds off of students and attach them . . . take it out to a beach and leave an impression.

I have a friend who draws intricate patterns on solid wood spheres in a variety of sizes... he's done oriental rugs, beetles, flies, etc.. and they are amazing. So the collage of faces just might be a good direction to go.

[evaldart]

"Edit: I already have my equivalence of the Gate of Hell's Thinker, or Dante, see below. He can be placed on top of the globe."

No cherry on top...diminishes the ice cream.

[Daniel]

Not to get political or anything, but how about another globe with shorelines, desert regions, etc. depicted as they are projected by scientists as looking in a couple hundred years or so.