Aeolian 2 was commissioned by collectors who saw Aeolian, commissioned for Roots Restaurant. Like Aeolian, Aeolian 2 describes the sea breeze, which is predominantly from the southwest, and the rhythmic movement of waves on the beaches here in Southbourne. The sea view from the glass wall overlooked by the installation is sublime and the artwork draws colour from the locality and movement from the sea and the breeze.
The vibrant colours are inspired by the unique environment in Southbourne, which is located between Hengistbury Head and Bournemouth, on the South Coast.
One aspect of living where the land meets the sea, is the sea breeze, graphically represented by isobars, which help visualise movement of the air, flowing from areas of high pressure to low pressure:
The maximum dimensions are 1.8m x 4.5m x 1.3m high, and the work fits within the apex of a pitched ceiling, which is 3.6m in height at the centre. The linear length is 10m. The artwork is centrally located and curves through the room, the form is influenced by the predominant direction of the sea breeze, isobars, and movement of the waves.
Glass is painted with glass enamels and fired. It will not fade in the sunlight as is a permanent layer of glass. The forms were cut, polished, and slumped into gentle curves in the kiln.
100 treads are suspended from 100 hooks which are screwed into the ceiling and enamelled glass pieces which are each drilled twice, are suspended on these threads. Each thread has 1-3 pieces attached to it, and the pieces link the threads in a way that forms a curtain and means that the threads will hang plumb and not be able to move around much. This prevents any entanglement and possible damage to the glass. The glass pieces are secured on the clear line by tiny brass grips which each has 2 screws, as a safety feature.
