David Duskin + Darling Gonzalez
Dublin, California
This work is a celebration of people, places and things... How we are tethered, how we move away, draw together, and stand in relation to. There is a visual magnetism between the two forms that comes from the shapes that fit together to form a whole. It talks about you and me, this and that, here and there, how there can be one and many at the same time.
Special thanks to Sean Paul Lorentz and Cody Chisham…
The space between the forms is just over 3 feet wide, allowing everyone to explore and pass through easily.
A concrete foundation is several inches below soil level so the sculpture can rise up out of the grass and integrate fully with the site.
The curved planes on the sculpture soften the forms and invite touch. They are made by welding together and inflating hollow forms. Like a balloon, but with 1/4 inch thick steel plate.
David Duskin with Peter Schifrin
Dutchess County, New York
A half mile sculpture made from solid 1 x 2 inch weatherproof steel that takes you away from the house, through the woods, to the lake, and on. Installation in upstate New York.
Special thanks to Darin Brondino…
J-Line starts at the house. A bar of steel emerges from the ground, becomes a fire pit and then leads the eye downhill. A second ring form can be seen from here.
Firepit, detail
Firepit, detail
This ring echoes the first, but it is standing, inviting the visitor to move further from the house into the meadow below. Upon arriving, a third can be seen in the distance.
From here, the edge of the forest is near. Following the line that extends from the work, a fourth ring is visible, again drawing the visitor away.
The fourth ring is at the bottom of the hill at the edge of the woods. From here on, the line is continuous.
After following the path through the gates that mark the edge of the groomed landscape, J-Line moves uphill through a clearing as it approaches the lake.
Running next to the bridge, the line provides an alternate way of crossing the creek. It can be walked on like a balance beam.
Then it follows the path at the edge of the lake. It is heading for the far corner where it will turn and enter the water for the first time.
As it cuts the corner around the lake, J-Line dips in and out of the water briefly. It can be followed underwater from above.
Upon leaving the water, the line heads uphill.
Near the top, it forms a zig-zag that floats above the ground. It then heads down toward the edge of the lake again.
This time it enters the water for longer. J-Line runs near the shore along the lake bottom for 120 feet. It can be walked on here too, but at times the water is shoulder deep.
When it comes out, it is on the far side of the lake.
Then it becomes tangled, knotted, and snagged between two trees. This part, called Tangle for Birch Point, is made from over 160 feet of continuously wrapped steel.
From the lake, the tangle is dragged into place, stopping only when it is caught between the trees.
Tangle for Birch Point, detail
Tangle for Birch Point, detail
From the tangle, another ring form is visible. It anchors and puts tension on the line. During the day, it provides a place to stop on the far side of the lake before continuing.
In the evening, it describes a spot for a campfire.
Fire Pit, detail
Finally, the line moves on again, heading away from the lake, bridging over another creek.
A few hundred yards later, it ends abruptly in a clearing of small trees. You can either continue on your own or follow it back to the house.
J-Line, detail
J-Line, detail
David Duskin + Darling Gonzalez, with Petaluma River Park and Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, California
This exhibition looks at an issue currently on our minds— the dialogue between people, art, and nature. How can we enhance the conversation? How can the viewer be a collaborator? What happens if the art keeps changing?
Using a simple language of colored timbers, many different compositions can be made and easily changed and rearranged over the course of the show.
By rearranging the colored wood elements and with the addition of other materials such as rope and stone, an infinite variety of compositions can be made as the show progresses.
The full size versions we make in the landscape and the smaller versions made at the activity tables represent a dialogue with the public that explores the "Thousand Ways" that are possible.
Special thanks to Bruce Johnson, Sean Paul Lorentz, Cody Chisham, Anita Wiglesworth, and Petaluma River Park volunteers…
David Duskin + Darling Gonzalez
Petaluma, California
The design intention of the RAILROAD BENCH is to remind visitors to Deer Creek Village of the role trains play in the history and future of Petaluma. By engaging the public with playful and accessible seating, we provide an opportunity to take a closer look at the beauty and importance of the rail system that connects our small town to the city and beyond.
The locals are proud of Petaluma’s association with trains. For years they have connected our businesses to the outside world and they highlight the authentic small town charm of our past. Looking forward we anticipate the return of rail transport as the banks of the Petaluma River continue to be revitalized and we are excited about the Smart Train system that is being built to further connect us to the city. The Railroad Benches allow the public to relish in this aspect of our local identity and they promise to remind us of where we were, where we are, and where we are going for years to come.
Railroad Bench outside Habit Burger in Petaluma, CA
Railroad Bench as an unofficial play structure
Railroad Bench outside Nick the Greek in Petaluma, CA
showing the backside of the logo benches
the upper slat has an inlaid metal bar with the Deer Creek Village logo engraved
all steel components are coated in a rusticated charcoal/grey finish (including the inlaid logo bar) and the wood is stained and sealed in a red/brown warm tone which will age naturally
the Deer Creek bench seats at least 4 adults
the Deer Creek bench is also an unofficial play structure
David Duskin with David Whippen
Almaden Library & Community Center, San Jose, California
Teaching Stones Memorial commemorates the life of Doris Dillon, beloved teacher and community member. Doris Dillon was known for her generous spirit and her passion for teaching. She engaged her students through games and it was often said that she could "teach a rock to read".
Eight stones are arranged in a cluster. Each is inscribed with a ribbon containing words from one of the eight parts of speech. The words chosen are collected directly from Doris' history and as such they echo her life.
The memorial serves as a learning tool for future generations. Rubbings are done on the stones with pencil and paper. Students move from stone to stone, gathering a noun from one, a verb from another, and onward until a full sentence is collected.
Teaching Stones Memorial is also used as a reading area, a place to daydream, or as a favorite spot to wait. The work honors Doris' legacy of mixing learning with pleasure in the form of a gift to the community she loved so well.
Special thanks to Donna Schumacher, Paul Harmon and Academy of Art University students...
David Duskin + Darling Gonzalez, with Peter Schifrin, brought to you by Claudia Bright and Kevin S. Bright
Boston, Massachusetts
Emerson Place, in the heart of downtown Boston, connects Emerson College with Boston Common and the entire city. It is open to both college students and the general public. It is a space to read, talk, eat, and discover the life and works of Norman Lear.
An abstract figure of Norman leans back casually on an inflated bronze form. This is a moment he describes in his memoir of being behind the scenes and listening to actors bringing his words to life. You can take a selfie with him or look him in the eye because he’s not on a pedestal, he’s “just another version of you”.
Engraved on the back and sides of the monolith he leans on are important quotes from Norman’s life and images from a few of his most memorable television shows: All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. These groundbreaking shows brought situations and characters into our living rooms that had not been seen on prime time TV before.
As the public moves around the sculpture, his words and characters, familiar to some, are also introduced to a new generation.
Special thanks to Stephen Bouska, Artworks Foundry, and Tyler Chartier…
Norman Lear Monument, Emerson Place, Boston MA
Three of the roles that Norman played in his lifetime are engraved on the lower right of the monument.
side view showing an original script in Norman’s hand
At the time, these characters and the things they did, said and represented, were new and controversial to mainstream America. Humor helped the medicine go down.
All in the Family was Norman’s first breakout hit. The sitcom addressed many of the cultural tensions Americans were dealing with in the 70’s and pushed television into new territory.
Engraved on the left side of the monument is one of the best things Norman has ever said: “I’m just another version of you. The sooner we realize that we’re just versions of one another, the sooner we will come to understand that we are one.”
Engraved on the right side of the monument, is a letter we asked Norman to write to the viewer for this project. (see letter below)
Dear Reader,
Ever since I smoked my first cigar, I have felt that if there were no other reason to believe in God, havana leaf would suffice. I’ve had similar epiphanies while biting into a ripe peach or a great ear of corn. And I’ve sensed a higher presence thousands of times while standing behind the audiences at our tapings and watching two hundred and fifty strangers coming forward as one, rising in their seats and then falling back, as people do when they’re laughing from the belly. Laughter is the umbilical of connectedness.
Sincerely, Norman Lear
Norman Lear at the unveiling event. He was exuberant and joking around with that twinkle in his eye as usual. “I fell in love with Emerson College and with Boston. Both felt absolutely right for me.” - Norman Lear
people reminiscing about the shows they used to watch
young people reading Norman’s letter
a selfie with Norman
Engraved on the bottom are donor and artist credits. An original All in the Family script is in the background.
David Duskin, sponsored by Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation
Paradise Ridge Winery, Sonoma CA
Presidio, San Francisco CA
This collection fulfills a desire to work directly with its location. The forms were first imagined, then drawn, then translated into sculpture.
The Longline Series includes several hundred feet of forged steel bars linked together, lots of rope, a set of steel and rubber "anchors" and three larger welded and painted forms. It is intended to be compatible with the objects in the Ishmael Series. It is site adaptive and site responsive.
DRAW ME A HOLE FOR THAT builds upon the Longline Series. It was installed at Paradise Ridge Winery. It is about the dialogue between object, viewer, and location. It is a tool that draws attention to the site. There are three forms, one that rocks, one that wants to hang and pull, and one that is long with lengths that yield. Over time, scratches allow the metal to rust leaving a history on its skin. The lines converge and move on as a group. They cut through the trees above. They pass through one and continue. They anchor to moss-covered trees and stones in an area greened by irrigation. Here rubber hoses grip. At 5:10, the watering cycle starts. Things drip and become wet again.
David Duskin + Darling Gonzalez, with David Whippen
Castro Valley, CA
A public project involving the restoration of the creek next to the new library in Castro Valley, CA. The work includes 1200 feet of guardrail and fencing, three gates, three benches, four sets of trash and recycle containers, thirteen signs, and a fifty four foot bridge made from a repurposed railroad car.
The metalwork throughout is intended to remind the viewer of the ranching history of the area while also working with the plants that grow around and through it.
Special thanks to Darin Brondino and Ruben Flores
the new Castro Valley Library just after we installed our work and before the restored landscape grew in
The bridge was finally complete once the plants grew in.
code for bicycle and pedestrian traffic are met while maintaining views to the creek
A view from the creek shows the navy blue structural elements which are repurposed from an old railroad car.
On top of the railroad car base, we added a curb, a new deck and the guardrail metalwork which makes it safe for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
detail of some of the blacksmithing techniques used on the bridge and throughout the project
detail of some of the blacksmithing teqniques used on the bridge and throughout the project
One of three gates. This one leads to an informal amphitheater near the creek bed which often serves as an outdoor classroom. Shown here just after installation, before the patina developed and the plants grew.
These cantilevered benches are positioned in good places for views and serve as playful outdoor reading spots for library visitors. The cantilevered design makes it bounce slightly when wanted. The yellow cedar seating area is comfortable and ADA compliant.
Two sets of these pedestal signs are located at either end of the site. These welcome and orient the visitor on the creek, the science behind its restoration, and the intention of the artwork these include. All are our original graphics and illustrations.
Nine of these vocabulary signs are located along the path. Each word is defined and used in a statement about the site. Then a related quote which can be found in the library is included on the bottom. All are our original graphics and illustrations.
Four sets of these were needed too. Each fits a 50 gallon steel drum inside so they work within the norms of the local Public Works pickup system.
David Duskin
These objects are made to work collaboratively with their locations. They are inflated steel forms tethered to each other by tarred manila rope. Each pair fits together, one male, one female. Depending on arrangement and circumstances, the intention is to make new site specific work with each placement.
in Walker Creek Marsh, Tomales Bay
in Walker Creek Marsh, Tomales Bay
at Tomales Bay
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
at Dillon Beach
Battery at Golden Gate Overlook, San Francisco, CA
Battery at Golden Gate Overlook, San Francisco, CA
Battery at Golden Gate Overlook, San Francisco, CA
Battery at Golden Gate Overlook, San Francisco, CA
under Highway 101
detail
under Highway 101
at the San Francisco Dance Center
In this performance, the sculpture served as a metaphor for the narrative of the primary characters. As the performance progressed, the objects were moved by the dancers.
at the San Francisco Dance Center
in San Francisco Bay
in San Francisco Bay, by the Fort Mason Piers
in San Francisco Bay with a view of Alcatraz
water installation with Chip and Darin
One object pulled out and on its way to the gallery. Some people complained that it smelled like low tide.
David Duskin + Darling Gonzalez
Oakland, California
This project is currently in process.
