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This Suiseki is my take on the traditional Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation. While many Suiseki are smaller tabletop displays, this is much larger and is meant to display the entire stone from all angles. The stone itself weighs over 400 lbs. The wood frame stands almost 7 feet tall and is hand carved and detailed on all sides so it can be viewed from both front and back.
The stone was chosen for its shape, color and texture. The ridges on the lower side of the stone accent and
repeat its symmetry. The overall shape suggests an inverted keystone. Closer study will reveal the stone’s complex structure. In addition to appreciating the beauty of the stone and the structure itself, I want people to experience a certain sense of the absurd: Here is this large heavy stone hanging in the air.
The framework is made of a very strong, very hard and durable wood known as Ipe. Ipe has excellent water resistance and is used worldwide on the finest quality exterior decks.
The structure is designed to last for years. The wood has no contact with the ground. Two steel sleeves are set in concrete in the ground. Pressure treated Douglas fir posts are then set into the sleeves thus avoiding wood/ground contact. This also allows the structure to be easily moved to any location.
The wood is treated with an oil-based sealer specifically designed for use on exterior hardwoods. The copper top and overall design ensure excellent drainage of rainwater.
This piece should age wonderfully. Depending on its final location, the wood and stone will be weathered by the elements. Ipe over years of time will develop a rich gray color, while the stone will age into its environment.