Salt Ramp with Celestial Children, 2011
Cedar, Himalayan salt tiles, aquariums with Bubble Eye goldfish and aquatic plants, aquarium lighting, SAD therapy lightboxes
Salt Ramp with Celestial Children is a cedarwood ramp structure surfaced with Himalayan salt tiles conjoined with a triptych of nature aquariums housing Bubble Eye goldfish and aquatic plants. Two lighting systems are utilized to simulate sunlight: at one end solar lamps promote aquatic plant growth and at the other SAD therapy lightboxes placed within the ramp structure produce a glowing effect through the Himalayan salt.
In the realm of alternative healing, Himalayan salt is used in halotherapy (hypertonic saline aerosol inhalation treatment) to counter EMF/EMR; purify the air and increase feelings of contentment by emitting negative ions; cleanse the respiratory system; and quicken the elimination of toxins. With an aura of the sauna, the Salt Ramp is an upward-facing plane that emits the benefits of sea air.
Nature aquariums are a popular style of aquarium design involving aquatic plants, natural materials and ornamental fish. While not typically found in nature aquariums, Bubble Eyes are a variety of captive-bred goldfish propagated for their extreme physical traits. With fragile fluid-filled pouches under eyes that can look only upward and without dorsal fins, they are disabled swimmers lacking defenses for survival. The Bubble Eyes are predestined to gaze at both the heavens and their keepers. Salt Ramp with Celestial Children demonstrates a relationship with nature involving aestheticization, engineering and attempts to control.
The work also draws on the delicate relationship between salt and goldfish: in small doses salt can treat goldfish for parasites, however in the event of direct contact the goldfish would be denatured/cured.