PROJECT: “Waterline” Installation
“Waterline” is a three piece sculptural installation with multiple hanging options.
Here is a short video of the process and the artwork in place:
On a 2018 visit to the Hoover Dam in Nevada I observed that the dark volcanic rock walls of the Black Canyon had a large strip of light-colored rock that appeared above the intense green of the Colorado River. I learned that this light color was from deposits of calcium carbonate as the river’s water level receded.
This decades-long drop in water levels was not only from increased massive water use in the Southwest USA but was also described by scientists as an effect of global warming. After creating some small paintings I decided to work at a larger scale to better express what I saw. The three-sculpture piece I am submitting here, “Waterline” is the result of taking this concept to another level.
Below are a few pics from my journey to Nevada to the building of the large scale bas-relief hanging installations.
The light rock area, locally described as the “Bathtub Ring,” shows the dropping water levels of the Colorado River over the last 25 plus years.
The dropping water level is getting close to the intake areas at the bottom of the Hoover Dam’s four towers. If the water continues to drop it could result in a condition called “ Dead Pool” where the dam would become non-functioning and Lake Mead would dry up.
A concept sketch of the three bas-relief banners abstractly symbolizing the drop in the Colorado River’s water levels from 1999 to 2025.
The canvas supports are covered in polyurethane foam to build up a bold surface texture representing the rocky canyon wall.
The front of the third bas-relief banner representing the current water level being painted in the studio.
Painting the backs of the three banners each with the relevant year. This one is 1999, when the water level was at a peak.
Installation showing all three back surfaces with their respective years.
The three fronts of the banners: 1999 on the left with the high water level, 2010 in the middle with the waterline showing a big drop in water level and 2025 on the right showing a continuing water level drop.
PVC bars were hung with coated steel wire safely wrapped around two tree trunks and with stainless steel hanging wires and clips.
Building the alternate installation structure made from PVC pipes.
The finished alternate installation method showing the backs with the corresponding years hanging in place.
The three front water level banners hanging in place. Each has a pocket sewn at the bottom to add sand for added weight if needed.