‘situation gravitas’ consists of assemblages formed by gravity. Gravity is the force of attraction between objects everywhere in the universe. It is responsible for things dropping to the ground and keeps us revolving around the sun. In my studio I drop moist clay from a height of 5 metres to capture the release, velocity and impact of one mass on another. The forms are built up by repetitive releases onto the growing mass below. Each object is finished differently reflecting difference in geological process and materiality. All objects are released by me, controlled by gravity, there is a conversion of potential to kinetic energy on release, and the result depends on the object’s inherent capacity to effect the force and the other object’s capacity to be affected by the force.
Gravity is considered a ‘field of influence’ controlling the motion of an object. This was a practice-based enquiry relating to humanity as a geological ‘field of influence’. Conceptually, by utilising the earth’s force of gravity to create this work I interrogate ideas about geological change imposed on the earth by humanity through continued exploration, extraction and exploitation.