The earliest of timepieces,
an astrolabe
This series is inspired by the earliest of timepieces, an astrolabe. The astrolabe or “star-holder” is an ancient instrument that was used at night to locate the positions of stars, sun, moon and the planets for navigation. The complexity of its mathematical design enabled the holder of the astrolabe to calculate time and predict sunrise and sunset.
The night sky seems so random; but the ancient astrolabe was a means to interpret and order the vast celestial sky as a way to understand and mark time. It drew order out of seeming chaos and random events. It serves as a symbol of the understanding and meaning of time.
Francie Hester
Timepiece 10, 12, 17 and 18; acrylic and wax on aluminum panel
Timepiece Materials
The aluminum panels used in the Timepiece series are an integral component in the creative process. Each piece begins with a complex set of layered drips of acrylic paint and color barcodes, as an ode to the sensation of how time moves from being fluid to being encoded. Once the layers of paint and color have been built up and then distressed by sanding, the surface is drilled and cut, and other elements are left exposed. In this way the aluminum becomes an essential element of the paintings. A final layer of raw pigments and wax is rubbed into the surface, creating richness in the surface as well as a protective layer for the painting. The aluminum will not tarnish and is lightweight and durable — the panels are backed with a lightweight honey-comb structure. The panels are designed to float off the wall by several inches. The square panels are sixteen inches in each dimension; the curved panels are twelve inch wide and thirty-six inches long. Each piece is fabricated to my specifications.