Mining Minds
University of Texas El Paso

My intent for the University of Texas, El Paso was to create an iconic, signature sculpture that acknowledged the school's investment in present and future technologies while paying homage to its origins in mining. This concept was inspired by the Universities' iconic symbol of the pick axe.

To illustrate this concept, I created a sculpture that symbolizes a stylized head of a pick axe. Pure in its simplicity, the artwork is a version of the pick axe without its handle; allowing the tool to transform into a pure, modernist sculpture. The piece is made from carbon steel and has a rusted finish. It looms 27' tall by 5' across in the middle, and tilts approximately 10 degree in two directions. The work is placed at the center of a raised roundabout at the University's entrance. The work is surrounded by examples of Chihauhaun desert vegetation that is native to the region. This helps to give the artwork context within the site.

The sculpture looks as if it is solid steel except for the two pointed tips of the axe head. Cut into the steel skin of each tip at the very top, and the very bottom, are a perforated pattern. Made from 0's and 1's, the pattern alludes to the language of modern technology and gradually fades out to solid steel about a third of the way down from each tip. One is able to see sunlight through the perforated tips during the day and they are illuminated from within at night, giving them an ethereal glow.

It was my goal to offer the University at El Paso a symbiotic metaphor. A tool from UTEP's past that is clearly used to mine the minds of the future.

Materials and Dimensions:
Rusted Steel - Interior lighting
5' x 5' x 27' tall

Commissioning Agency:
University of Texas El Paso



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