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.