Work Bench (2011)

Carlos Basanta , Davide Pan , Ida Maria Pan

Terra Nova Rural Park, 2431 Westminster Hwy.

Area: Thompson
Location: Enter the park from the north end on River Rd. It is located where the trail to the Parson's House meets the road.

Materials: Laser cut galvanized mild steel.

Program: Civic
Ownership: Civic
Sponsored By: City of Richmond

Description of Work

Made using a single sheet galvanized steel, cut and “T” welded into bench form, the work - which appears to float light on the surface - actually weights 251.74 kg (555 lbs).

Its clean-cut, elementary, geometric lines are minimal and essential offering an effective and distinctive design. The silhouette cut-outs depict tools universally used in agriculture to work and farm the land: a shovel, a pitchfork, two spades that could easily even be two local cattails. Silver-blue-gray color, with an almost imperceptible snowflake like pattern typical of galvanized steel, the bench - anchored onto a hidden concrete platform below the gravel - elegantly rests within the natural park environment, almost matching the splendid & moody tones of the sky above.

Artist Statement

Everyday work tools have often appeared in my work. I must admit that "WorkBench", as it appears today, is quite a departure from my initial sketches and original idea. It has, nevertheless, been real a privilege working with such large piece of steel. "WorkBench" is also very different from my style of work, which - mainly - consists of creating new ensembles out of discarded and rejected materials: my own Arte Povera. Out of principle, in this era of unbridled consumerism, where everything gets thrown away and disposed of after a short use, I collect and gather effects that others have abandoned, thrown away, discarded and attempt - in other manner, shape, or combination - to bring them back to life. I mostly let the material, the object dictate its story and place within the new creation and its new life.