Century Gift

Description

14" wide x 31" tall x 14" deep on a 9" round base. Made of twisted mild steel and fused glass. The subject is a "Century Plant" most commonly found in Agave plants. The twisted form is autobiographical to the artist as a symbol of life traveled and experienced. Her exploration and observation of the natural world spans a lifetime of deeply felt connections. The fused glass, symbolizing water, life and birth further emphasizes her continued expression to share a love of natural both beautiful and awkward, but breathe life into a creative culture beyond herself. to foster awareness, passion, and observation of light, plant and water, fostering stewardship and our cultural importance.. The artist chose a Century Plant because of its resilience, drought tolerate, beauty despite of its weathered appearance and the one fatal gift it gives with undeniable unconditional compassion for a greater community. A. americana is cultivated as an ornamental plant, particularly valued for its large, dramatic mature form. It is often found in modernist, xeriscapes (drought-tolerant), and desert-style cactus gardens. It is popularly used in hot climates and areas prone to drought.[10] The plant's presence can evoke the ambiance of 18th- to 19th-century Spanish colonial and Mexican provincial areas in the Southwestern United States, California, and xeric regions of Mexico. In dry beach gardens in Florida and coastal areas of the Southeastern United States, it is a favored choice for landscaping. The common name "century plant" stems from its monocarpic nature of flowering only once at the end of its long life. After flowering, the plant dies but produces adventitious shoots from the base, allowing its growth to continue.[8] Although it is called the century plant, it typically lives only 10 to 30 years.[9] It has a spread around 1.8–3.0 m (6–10 ft) with gray-green leaves measuring 0.9–1.5 m (3–5 ft) in length, each with a prickly margin and a heavy spike at the tip that can pierce deeply. Towards the end of its life, the plant produces a tall, branched stalk adorned with yellow blossoms, which can reach a height of 8–9 m (25–30 ft). This sculpture is highly durable for year-round outdoor installation. THe fused glass is rounded into 6mm-thick forms. THe finish is natural and part of the natural aging expected with mild steel materials.