Bracing Stone, 2021
Limestone, steel, reclaimed lumber (Tappan Zee Bridge, 1955-2017)
permanent installation, George Landis Arboretum, Esperance, New York
Bracing Stone, 2021 composed of three limestone blocks weighing a total of 2275lbs, steel and reclaimed wood from the Tappan Zee Bridge was commissioned by the Individual Artist Grant for Schoharie County. Inspired by the book Listening to Stone: The Art and Life of Isamu Noguchi by Hayden Herrera, Kristen created this piece to explore the process of stone carving, something she had never attempted before. The composition signifies balance and support through scale and placement of the shaped stones. Each stone balances on the other with an underlying foundation supplied by disparate objects. All three elements usually classified as structural support materials, now function in a similar capacity with an alternative intent. This idea, and the placement of the piece overlooking the Schoharie Valley where Hurricane Irene hit hard in 2011, an event that directly affected Kristen and her family, is a symbolic gesture to the strength of community and allows viewers to frame the work in their own ways. Together they become part of a shared environment.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts.”