Kaminari at Arlington Arts Center

Kaminari

Although the material I use is often mistaken for metal, most of my work is created from either black stoneware or porcelain. Over the past three years I have focused on extruded forms, which resemble three-dimensional line drawings or calligraphic brushstrokes. These individual forms are built upon one another to create sculptural drawings that play with pattern, rhythm, shadow and light.

In this particular work, I began by exploring the use of multiple forms to produce an environment that surrounds the viewer. My initial idea was based on seeds floating on the breeze. However, this image was light and airy, and once I began creating the work it had a heavier, darker feel. Looking at a partial installation, my first thought was "kaminari," the Japanese word for thunder. The dark feeling of the work echoes the rising and falling sound of thunder as it rolls across the sky enveloping and penetrating its surroundings.

In Japanese art thunder is often depicted as Raijin, the God of Thunder. Whether ascending into the heavens on storm clouds in a 17th century screen or acting as a menacing guard in a Buddhist temple, he is surrounded by a ring of drums. Having been captivated by the thunderous power of Japanese drums for the first time while living in Japan 17 years ago, and seeing numerous statues and images of Raijin, I realized how apt this symbol of a storm is.

This installation and the inspiration to title it Kaminari reflect these influences and my interpretation of the fury and beauty of the sound of thunder.

Laurel Lukaszewski
2007

Entrance to Gallery Images shown clockwise from entrance. Installation of sixty wall-mounted pieces, twelve floor pieces