
CORK
WREATHS
I have assembled a collection of 10,000 used wine
corks from sources around North America,
representing vineyards and vintages across the
world. Painstaking care –about ten hour’s worth per
wreath - has been taken in the placement of each
cork upon a sturdy straw base imported from Mexico.
Wielding my trusty hot glue gun, I have attempted to
create a visually interesting piece using a form
generally reserved to mark the holidays. The result
is a random pattern that celebrates one of nature’s
gifts to us that is traditionally used to either
commemorate important moments in our lives, or to
simply appreciate the pleasure a fine vintage can
bring.
Each
cork has been hand inspected by me and chosen for
its unique characteristic, be it the fanciful
artwork chosen by the vintner, its size and utility
in its place, the stature of the wine it represents,
or the wondrous markings created by the wine it was
meant to protect. A typical eighteen inch design
will contain approximately 350 corks.
One
note on my cork assemblage efforts: my intention has
always been to incorporate a philanthropic aspect to
my works. I have endeavored not only to create a
work of art, but also to do so while benefiting a
community which has meant so much to me. In order to
launch this effort, my initial foray into the world
of cork centered on arbitraging large lots on the
worldwide web in order to build an initial supply.
Meanwhile, I have enlisted the assistance of a well
respected national restaurant chain whose staff has
assiduously squirreled away copious amounts of used
corks. Their
generosity is translated into a regular donation to
local charities at a predetermined, formula. The first month of donations yielded over
1,000 corks and the first donation was made in early
April, 2007. Going forward, up to 35% of the gross
proceeds from the sale of a cork wreath will be
donated to charity. I offer my sincerest debt of
gratitude to those dedicated servers who maintain
the forethought to support my efforts. They know who
they are.
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