HEATHER ALLYSON POWELL ethereally span hollow

Snow Angel, 2007, Original snow impression cast in Forton with enamel and mica, 72"x98"x6".

Infrastructure is derived from the Latin prefix “infra” meaning “below” and “structure”. The word Liminality means “below the threshold”.  A combination of the two might mean below the threshold of structure or below the structure of the threshold.  While threshold is the point where a new experience begins, and structure is a bridge, framework, or other object that has been put together from many different parts, what I have described is the point where an object brings forth a new experience.  It is the pivotal moment when there is a transformation.  Infrastructure is generally used to describe a series of systems that provide communication between communities or transportation between two geographically defined points.  These works are a conduit between the periphery and core, subjective and objective, tangible and intangible.  They are a bridge between the central domain of the imagination and the vast matter of the universe.

When we expand our field of vision to consider the periphery we completely form the background of detailed visual perception.  It is the moment when we enter awareness of the present to reflect on the past and envision the future, and when we dare to conceive of the potential for our self and the world around us.  Are we in opposition or are we open? Are we on the periphery or are we centered? Working between sentient and subliminal there exists an exchange of energy- like a pendulum swinging in equal measure back-and-forth, one brings about the other.  Abstract thought juxtaposed with the organic molding and manipulation of materials also fosters this exchange.

Heteronyms are words that are spelled the same, appear to be the same, but have different pronunciations and meanings.  The word heteronym comes from hetero meaning “different” and -onym meaning “name”.  We cannot talk about what we cannot name.  Like learning to speak, a series of symbols strung together create a sequence of sounds that all together make-up a different pronunciation.  This new series takes advantage of the repeat use of basic geometric shapes, the sphere and circle, that individually represent a very particular and fixed unit of time.  They articulate an intuitive awareness that concentrates on the fluctuating space in-between vulnerable and unaffected, safe and apprehensive, heaving and plunging.