PS 5 Elements - conversation art piece for an osteopathic studio

Conversation art piece for an osteopathic studio where patients are invited to share their reactions to the five elements. The three-dimensional artwork becomes a facilitator in therapy and recovery.

Wood

The element wood is represented by an organic circular artwork sawn out of multi-layered beech veneer. The choice of this contemporary building material ensures recognisability and familiarity. A transparant layer of green, mineral water colour allows for the delicate woodnerf drawing to peer through.

Water

This art object is casted out of Bone China (ivory porcelain) fired in 2 steps at the maximum temperature to achieve a pure whiteness and transparency. It was then fire-glazed with a Nordic blue glaze. The movement of water and waves are palpable in the texture, concealing the complex crafting efforts and internal structure of the artefact. The insertable container can hold a flower demonstrating how water gives life. Furthermore, this is also a delicate addition or erotic wink.

Metal

This artwork is cut and welded from plain steel.Many abrasive actions were needed to make the dull material somehow shiny or reflective. The traces of this hard work leave an interesting, both repetitive and fickle pattern on the surface. Like a drawing of our daily work and habits..the machine of our repeated actions.

Earth

This artwork is cast from original red terracotta slip. It bears a velvety, yellow underglaze that partially masks the complex textures, surface treatments and red nature of the clay, of the earth. Like everything human, it will one day return to its original state after a life cycle in which it represented “earth”’.

Fire

The fleeting character of fire is captured in this airy cushion artwork. The repeated Jacquard design by Joris Martens Studio is custom jacquard woven textile.

Photo credit: Jef Leysen

Would you like to see this conversation art installation at the osteopathic studio? Kindly contact Pieter at Balans Retie.