When we arrived on site at Abacus Planning Group, located in Columbia, SC, all the templates sent in advance had been carefully spaced and measured and taped to the wall. Sarah Young not only had the placement of each Pod marked and ready for us but had a sturdy ladder and table along with other items we just might need, set out and ready for us. This made the whole installation process go smoothly...
After laying a possible 13 Pods out on the floor, the shuffle began. The challenge was to pick the ten Pods to be included in the 10 Pod Triangle. Next we had to decide where they should be best placed in the triangular format to achieve the best aesthetic results for the Abacus office space. Enid, Sarah and myself started by eliminating Pods with too much similarity... Next we looked at color, texture, value and mood. The point of the Triangle seemed the perfect place for the white Pod because of it's blend of simple bold form blended with the drama of its white terra sigillata surface. After another round of discussion about the placement of each Pod, the milkweed inspired Pod took it's place in the center. The neutrality of it's subtle color, coupled with it's particular texture seemed to make it perfect for the central spot. This Pod brought a visual harmony to the 10 Pod Triangle needed for this particular site. The site was a long but wide dramatic hall with sky and special additional lighting and the color was orangel This part of the process was quite special and fun. I like to think the process that Enid, Sarah and I shared was in the spirit of the kind of teamwork that I heard about and observed on my visits with Cheryl Holland when we were planning this site specific piece for Abacus.
Thank you Enid Williams for all your help!!!! Your superb aesthetic sense, great "eye" and steady hand resulted in a 10 Pod Triangle that was installed smoothly and quickly.
An elegant Ta Da!!!!!!!!
A less elegant but heart-felt Ta Da from me!!!!!
Thank you Sarah Young for all you did in advance to make our job an easy one!
Above all, I would like to give Cheryl Holland, founder of Abacus, a heart felt thank you for offering me this significant opportunity to create a special piece for a beautiful site within the Abacus Office space. I am honored to be part of the Abacus art collection. I would also like to congratulate Cheryl for the support she continuously gives to the South Carolina arts community through projects like mine and others.
The following quote from Cheryl expresses beautifully the reason for my enthusiasm for about my experience working with Abacus...
“Founding Abacus was my professional chance – and personal challenge – to create a unique culture centered on listening, creativity and collaboration.” Cheryl Holland
Sagger fired Pod