The Gravity Garden Process
The creative process we implement in all of our work involves the expression of creative sensibilities unique to the Gravity Garden aesthetic, as well as the utilization of technical skills and knowhow developed from collective decades of having our hands on the tools and materials themselves. We have the ability to handle most, if not all, phases of the process in house. We aim to produce work that has a marriage between all elements of form, material, and concept in a pursuit of deeper and more tangible levels of beauty. Through the rooting of ourselves and our passions in the process itself, we manifest works of art that root the viewers and participants in the same passion and human essence that becomes more and more difficult to feel in the superficialities of modern hyper-consumerist society. Homage is paid to the traditions of craft and the conversations of art history all the while taking the old into the realm of the contemporary with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. We create in an expansive space of freedom and expression, constantly called to push the boundaries of our own will and imagination. This is, and we are, Gravity Garden.
1) Concept and Design
This phase incorporates the essential elements of play and creative exploration that gives a Gravity Garden project its aesthetic quality and essence. Sketches, models, and inspirations photos are compiled to flesh out and communicate the overall design. If a client is involved during this phase, there is often an ongoing conversation throughout the process to ensure that their vision and the vision of our team and brand are in alignment throughout.
2) Engineering and Layout
This is the beginning of the technical phase of any project. Either the aesthetic portion of the design has been completed and approved or the engineering is happening in tandem with the aesthetic portion in order to ensure a “form following function” unity to the overall project. This process is where all elements of the design are fleshed out to a high level of consideration and the project becomes buildable. Scale and proportion are finalized, connection details are designed, and all materials and hardware are determined as well. In most cases a fully dimensioned construction package or blueprint is produced and, if necessary, submitted to a licensed engineer for review. If the project requires it, custom machined components are also designed and fabricated as a part of this process.
3) Craft and Construction
The Gravity Garden approach is both as artisanal and technical as it is aesthetically driven and expressive. Due to the often large scale and complex material nature of our work, the Gravity Garden team is, at any given point, comprised of seasoned artists, builders, trades workers, riggers, and craftsmen. We pride ourselves on our competency regarding the traditional approaches to fabrication and construction, as well as our understanding of a variety of tools, materials, and techniques. It is common to see our work comprised of various materials including wood, bamboo, metal, clay, and concrete. We also often work in the realm of the unique and the irregular. Because of this, our team is often made up of those with a propensity for creative problem solving and for cleverly innovating within the construction process. We love being fully immersed in all the challenges of the work and we love the feeling of our blood, sweat, and tears being embodied in the beauty of the finished piece.
4) Rigging and Installation
Every Gravity Garden project requires a comprehensive installation plan. We come with the skillset required to execute this portion of the process with the utmost levels of safety, efficiency, quality, and effectiveness. Cable and rope rigging, heavy machinery operations, and techniques for lifting and working at heights are all utilized for comprehensive installations that meet both our collective and industry standards.
5) Logistics
Gravity Garden approaches the logistical and managerial aspect of every project with detail orientation and a time tested approach. This phase is handled in house to degree that guarantees success and efficiency at every step. Budgeting and contracting, management of the design and layout phases, crew structuring and related logistics, material and component acquisition, shipping and transportation, timeline and workflow management, and full execution of the install are all aspects of this part of the process.
6) Crew and Collaboration
The most important part of the Gravity Garden process is the human element. Through the shared creativity amongst artists and the camaraderie formed amongst passionate people working in pursuit of shared of goals, every one of our projects contains the spirit of the people involved. We have had the pleasure of collaborating with other amazing individuals within the industry, and we consistently structure our teams with people of high skillsets and zest for art and life. Through its work, Gravity Garden is a synergistic family, and it aims to bring the fruits of that dynamic into the spaces in which its creations come to life.
