All photos copyright Carol Franger 2001.
Five Elements Fountain
Description
"Five Elements Fountain" is an outdoor sculpture installation, a firefall--a water fountain with liquid fuel introduced into the stream which floats on the surface of the water and burns. The water-fire cascades down through a number of hands cast in cement.
The firefall concept was pioneered by artist Kiki Pettit. Please refer to her page for photos and information about her firefall fountains. The basin of the fountain is in the shape of an octagon, the number eight symbolizing prosperity. The materials of the fountain include all the five physical elements of Chinese philosophy: metal, fire, water, earth, and wood.
All photos copyright Carol Franger 2001.
Additional photos here (on page 15)
Installation Dates
Friday, 8/31/01 to Sunday, 9/2/01 at the Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City, Nevada
Saturday 9/29/01 Video and Photos only at APAture 2001 presented by KSW at SomArts, San Francisco
Artist's Statement
This project was sparked by my sister's pregnancy and is a meditation on and celebration of family, including those not necessarily related by blood. The concept of family is an important aspect of Asian culture. The two hands from which the fire and water emerge are cast from the hands of my mother and father and the other hands are cast from my friends and family. The fire and water symbolize the flow of energy which we receive and in turn give back to the people in our lives. Like fire and water, seemingly incompatible and contradictory elements of our lives flow together and create beauty. It is my hope that this work will catalyze viewers' feelings and thoughts about their own families and friends and everything they have given to and received from them.
The Five Elements Fountain was installed at Burning Man 2001 in Nevada, shortly after my new nephew David's One-Month-Old party.
Materials
Wood: The basin is Port Orford cedar with stain/sealer and clear epoxy resin.
Earth: The hands are made of GardenCast, an outdoor gypsum cement.
Fire: The fuel is white gas/Coleman camping fuel.
Metal: The uprights are galvanized pipe and found steel (rebar and a bed frame) with various brass, galvanized steel, and aluminum connections.
Water: From the tap.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to the following people:
Kiki, Bob Stahl, Dave X, John Wilson, Charlie Gadeken, Trey, John, John, Karen, PE, Kathy, Thomas, Stephan, Mom and Dad, and Carol
Contact
E-mail dan and include the "nospam" characters:
