Symbol of Air 20-25: Materializing the Invisible and the Interval
With this work, I took on the challenge of sculpting what cannot be seen. Air is the element of the immaterial, the one that occupies space without ever imposing itself. This sculpture gives form to the symbol of air, materializing that essential interval that exists between each thing, between each being, and even between each of our thoughts. It is a tribute to breath, freedom, and the clarity of mind that arises in silence and emptiness.
The combination of steel and bronze, worked into metal lace (dripping), allows this almost vaporous presence to be rendered. The void is not an absence in this work; it is the main subject. This sculpture lets light and sight flow through, reminding us that it is in the interval, in this apparent "nothing," that the true connection to the world lies. A piece from the Intimate range that invites breathing and serenity.
Steel base diameter 3 in. Height 4 in - Width 3 in - Depth 3 in
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sculpt "the invisible" with a material as dense as metal? This is the whole paradox of my work as a sculptor. By using the dripping technique, I do not create a mass, but a network. This sculpture uses metal to outline the contours of the void. It is the void that gives shape to the air; the steel and bronze are only there to reveal its poetic structure.
What is the symbolism of the interval between thoughts? Air represents intellect and communication. In spirituality, the space between two thoughts is the place of full awareness. This sculpture symbolizes this moment of suspension, this necessary breath that allows the mind to remain free and light.
What are the roles of steel and bronze in this piece? The gray steel provides the light structure and the finesse of the line, evoking the breeze. The bronze, fused in touches, brings flashes of sunlight, like particles of dust or pollen dancing in a sunbeam. These bronze reflections give this sculpture a vibrant and living dimension.
Is this a unique work? Absolutely. Just as the wind never blows the same way twice, the mesh of each "Symbol of Air 20-25" is the result of a spontaneous and unrepeatable gesture. Made freehand, without any mold, this piece is signed and certified original by Philippe Buil.
How should this piece be displayed to emphasize its lightness? Ideally, place it in front of a natural light source or a light background. The transparency of the lace will then be magnified, and the work will seem to float in space, perfectly illustrating the ethereal nature of the air element.
