The Underwater Monument

American monuments reflect the history and ideals of society. However monuments become lost over time, even if they are erected in public space. Those who seek the monuments create resurrection. Through the lens of contemporary society there is more of a push for accessibility and practicality suppressing awareness in physical context of objects such as monuments. We are able to scour the web and find images therefore experiencing the aesthetics and context on much too basic of a level.

I propose a monument in the most abstract of place. This place is not void of paparazzi, but does change the scope in which the viewer must seek this physical form. My hope is to renew the idea of monument by rejecting usual placement and encouraging expedition among natives and tourist alike. To seek this underwater behemoth is not without objective, but when found the viewer will contemplate location and context. The structure will be

78ftx80ftx40ft. If lost, the monument may survive and become a great find for future archeology.

The form does not come without context. In tradition manner, I create a form within the interest of my aesthetic and resolve. The monument is abstract in nature but pulls for the history of culture and finds meaning in contemporary social issues. Radial composition has historically brought reference to rebirth and the transience of life. This is evident in “Akhenaten and His Family” an ancient Egyptian limestone relief. The sphere is meant to resemble the sun god, Rah

whom is reborn in the form of sunrise. In Japanese culture the cherry blossom is an annual reminder of how brief life is. Imagery of cherry blossoms can

represent birth

and death, a circular belief in life. These ideas are represented in the monument, the idea of this monument resurrecting discovery

and spiritualism in our fact-based, objective society.The placement of the monument must show constant change. This will further the contextual implications of the work. Great change has

occurred in the Gulf of Mexico over the last decade and would be ideal for this placement. With hurricane Katrina and The BP oil spill we will see much renewal in life, structure and spirit. The circular form of the gulf will also add context.

Building materials will be around 4 million. The structure will be made of a unique stone, which promotes coral growth, carved on location and moved underwater. Over time, the stone will be effected by the underwater environment becoming homes for new life.

Improbable Monument

I've created the form for my monument and will work towards finalizing it. I will be placing the object within Google Earth, in a place I feel there will be great environmental and social impact. This monument will be placed underwater, for the form and intent is connected directly with tragedy with climate change.

Haines Gallery (Outside Event)

I finally had the chance to see the works of a favourite of mine, Darren Waterston. His work is displayed at Haines Gallery in downtown San Francisco. When I entered the gallery, large sheets of metal with a landscape-eske engravings dominated the room. Some of the forms looked like cross-sections of rock. The compositions were reminded me of generic the 9"x12" but these pieces were all about the material.

I was very excited to enter into the room where Waterston was showing. I went right for the artist statement. In one corner, there was a dried lava looking sculpture which complimented the works. The works were composed in a sketchbook style, stacked and grouped close. The pieces ranged in size, from 12"x12" to 18"x24". I moved in closer, I have heard that his paintings have amazing surfaces and they did.

After seeing this show, I ventured into the other galleries which were spread across five floors.

The mixture of wine and the excitement of seeing work for the first time assured my "first thursday" was a good one.

Approach, Transition, Touchdown! (Art Show)

The plan: Studio visit with Amanda Hughen

Waiting outside, I strained me eyes trying to see past the horizonal lines of a pair of window shades. I heard male voices and wondered if I should knock but instead found a place to sit and read.

When we entered, the space happened to be a sound production studio and Hughen had aquired a neat, good-sized space in the back. She began with presenting her work and stating her side-profession as a graphic designer. It was apparent she was trained as in design. Her work was abstract and dealt with ambiguous space, much like my work. After much discussion Amanda ended with an invitation of the Approach, Transition, Touchdown show at the Electric Works Gallery.

When the big day came, I got inevitably lost. After walking in circles I finally found the gallery. I entered and thought, "God Philip, you came on the wrong day... again." The room I had entered was filled with large and small format books which were mostly illustrations. As I continued feverishly, I entered the main room and Amanda was standing there surrounded a couple of people and a swarm of children.

I followed the natural flow of the gallery which landed me in a room of installations. All seemed to deal with very specific elements of modern aritecture. A piece delt with a driver perspective of the road, another a light installtion of a cracked windshield.

I then moved into the main gallery and noticed a wall of smaller drawings. This show was a collaboration and these drawings illustrated conceptual drawings dilivered from one aritst to another. These drawings were great and setup in true (gallery)sketchbook fashion.

The large scale works were the end result of the collaboration. Dominating, suspensful, soft and hard. When looking at these pieces, I feel tense. Despite the warm array of colours, the juxtaposition reminds me of my own work.

Improbable Monument

Since this is an improbable scenario, I'm letting my imagination go wild. I've always loved the idea of monumental structure built in water. This idea seems contemporary in nature, given the recent catastrophic events.

In context, the idea could be a tribute to the harmony or disharmony between human and nature. There seems to be a push and pull between land a water, especially with the climate change. This could also play as a memorial for people who have died during these events.

I haven't decided whether I want to make the monument above or below water.

Ideas for Collaboration

Gateway (Visual or Literal)

Create a similar visual image through pinpoints and paths which express similarity with both locations.

Similarity Ideas:
- Terrain
Areas of historical interest
Change in Terrain
Topographic Similarities
City Planning
Weather Tendencies
Area of social significance
Areas of Environmental Change


Virtual Tour Turned into Journalistic Surrogates

Both teams create a visual tour of sights and locations that are of interest. The other team then must venture out and take photos and gather information on each location. Both teams then edit the visual tour with the added information

Video (One Place, Twice the Culture)

Express similarities, assemble a video that expresses both places as a single location. Monologue from all group members, expressing various locations. Use stereotypes and specific examples intermix both cultures. Do not express the location to maintain ambiguity.

The idea of this is to completely blur the line between locations. Make the viewer think. “Where are they?”Should be a common question.

Smart Joints

Human Augmentation

Smart Joints


What are joint extensions?
Implants added to the knees , back, shoulders, ankles, hips and other common problem area joints that ease movement which insures longevity. These implants are both internal and external to the body. These implants may also be manual controlled with external remote for those whom have stiff muscles.

What are they made of?
The implants are made from titanium, allowing cohesion with the body and unparalleled, long-lasting durability. Computers are build into the implants to allow remote movement. Both natural and remote movement are a breeze with this material.

Do I qualify for this technology?
Potential clients will range from patients whom have existing joint wear and damage to patient whom are looking for preventative measures to ensure longevity in joints. Unfortunately patients whom decide to use this technology for preemptive means may be faced with rejection to insurance claims.

What are the risks?
These implants have not been tested with high speed force accidents such as a car crash. However, much of them act as braces. Computer malfunction has only occurred in 2% of the sample patients.

Where can I have these installed?
The availability of this technology is universal. Most major augmentation clinics have all types of “smart joints” on hand. This technology may also be applied to your already existing engineered parts.


We do not recommend purchasing these devices on any market other than the national healthcare system. Without professional medical assistance improper installation can lead to fracture, damage of organic body parts and in many cases, death.

^ The knee and hip are major joints that succumb to wear and aging.

This is an example of an implant. The implant is capable of creating a life-long joint which does not wear. The secondary function is the remote device implanted within. Patients can keep their muscles loose by controlling movement of the smart joint.