Speed of the Earth : illusion and experience of speed and scale

Abstract

The Speed of the Earth is a proposed sculpture dealing with light as pure experience within the context of short-lived rapid movement and large scale horizontal orientation within the environment. This will be accomplished through the use of rapidly sequenced strobe lights sited in a straight east/west axis line, which create a momentary event of pure light that is both corporeal and illusive. The proposed sculpture will also addresses the concept of relative perception, the light event itself creating a tangible depiction/illustration of the speed of the Earth's rotation on its axis and representing a fixed point in space that reverses the standard point of reference for the viewer's basis of location. This thesis explores the use of linear and temporal scale in environmental art, concentrating on specific works that have direct association to aspects of the proposed thesis sculpture. The strobe light is briefly discussed. The artist's personal background and perspective are described within the context of the evolution of the thesis sculpture. The proposed thesis sculpture and its planned implementation and application is described and documented.