Architecture, Mosaics, and Rodia

In the comments box below, Stephen asks a very good question: what would Pacific Rim architecture really entail?

I have been thinking about this all day. Of course the first thing that comes to mind is a sort of East meets West syncretism, except that more often than not, that approach fails and looks cheap. Also, that sort of dialog generally posits the Pacific Rim as being the United States and China/Japan, ignoring the Southern part of the Pacific Rim.

But, this sort of pick and choose menu of architecture is almost a guarantee for cornball, so a Pacific Rim architecture must have something much more interesting as a foundation.

Then it dawned on me: first, the Pacific Rim is a European creation. Before Europeans hit the area, communications, commerce, and the general exchange of ideas accross the Pacific were rare to non-existant. Thor Heyerdahl aside, the most that really happened was the occasional Chinese ship blown off course, but there was never settlement or anything that even remotely treated the Pacific Rim as a region. That happened later.

Second: The Pacific Rim has a lot of seismic activity. You want volcanos? We've got 'em! Earthquakes? Just felt one a week or so ago!

Third: Any architecture, to sing of its region, must draw from the materials of the region. Nowadays you only find redwoods in California, a little part of Oregon and China (although it is a different variety than our two). However, redwood used to cover much more of the Pacific Rim (at least the northern part). To make redwood even more attractive for use in Pacific Rim architecture, it flexes and makes remarkably earthquake resistant buildings.

Fourth: It certainly does some good to go looking at the similarities found in the architecture around the Pacific Rim, and I think it is safe to say that the Pacific Rim emphasizes horizontality. From the Longhouses of the Indians of the Pacific Northwest to the architecture of China and Japan, to the Polynesian buildings, I think of our architecture as tending towards the horizontal, which makes sense in the event of seismic activity.

So, for something to start with: Combining redwood with horizontality to create broad masses. Then, to use regional stone and other timbers. Reference to Spanish and other European roots in the form of ornaments, tile roofs, etc.

Now, I have mentioned in the past on this blog that I am getting very interested in mosaics. I work with another sculptor who does the metal work, and then I am in charge of the cement and mosaic, and other such elements. Since he lives in San Diego, it makes things a little tricky, but slowly we are working out the details of logistics.

I have always liked mosaics, but in the course of learning more about the medium I am finding that I probably have Rodia-like tendencies. I am not going to build mystical towers in the backyard, but I can't say that the idea doesn't appeal to me.

For some reason I could easily see myself building one of those concrete gardens full of glued together bric-a-brac. I have been reading about some of the folk artists who have embraced this aesthetic, and I find it strangely appealing. In the meanwhile I am making some small pieces, testing out techniques and designs for use in bigger pieces. Keep your eyes on this space (or hopefully a new website, just to show art work and to keep the blog free of too many images) for more details, but I will probably be letting them go for somewhat reasonable prices.

I am always on the lookout for interesting mosaic pieces, so if know of one, particularly in a surprising place, please let me know. I am particularly interested in works that started as private obsessions, only becoming public later.