“Momentum” by Michael Ciccone, in the clouds at the GAS Gallery, 2009
Michael Ciccone working on demolition of the Walkway over the Hudson
Preliminary sketch for “Momentum” by Michael Ciccone, in chalk on the floor of his studio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Momentum Committee is proud to announce
The unveiling of “Momentum”
a unique sculpture by Michael Ciccone
What: The unveiling of “Momentum”, a public sculpture
When: Saturday, June 19 at 10 am.
Where: Cunneen-Hackett Art Center, 9 Vassar St. Poughkeepsie, NY
Who: The artist, MICHAEL CICCONE
Why: a public viewing.
Please join the Momentum Committee, Mayor John Tkazyik, Benjamin Krevolin, Fred Schaeffer, Jean McAvoy, Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart, artist Michael Ciccone and others for the unveiling of “Momentum”, a new sculpture temporarily installed on the lawn of the Cunneen-Hackett Art Center. The Momentum Committee is offering the public a rare opportunity to see this unique and graceful sculpture made of actual discarded and recycled steel and copper obtained from the Poughkeepsie Railroad bridge by Mr. Ciccone, a master blow torch welder, during the construction of the Walkway Over the Hudson in 2009.
Mr Ciccone, of Saugerties, creates intriguing outdoor metal sculptures and spent several months with his blow torch cutting off large portions of rusted and unwanted steel beams and hardware from 230 feet above the Hudson River. Michael re-fabricated the 122 year old steel into highly stylized abstract sculptures that incorporate beautiful sections of patinaed copper. “Momentum” is a large free-standing heroic work which echoes the powerful wheels of a locomotive with a twisted dark plume of simulated smoke arching over the length of the work toward the rear of the ten foot high sculpture.
In September 2009, artist and curator, Franc Palaia included “Momentum” in his Quadricentennial exhibition about Hudson Valley bridges at the G.A.S. Gallery where it stood regally outdoors in the gallery courtyard for two months. All who saw the work were struck by its originality and novelty, a sculpture literally made from a bridge and not just about a bridge! Nobody is making sculpture like this except Michael, especially using finite materials that will never be seen again.
The Momentum Committee is seeking support and funds to purchase and install this important work of art in order to have it permanently placed at the entrance of the Walkway Over the Hudson at the Poughkeepsie entrance ramp in 2010.
For information contact: Julia Dutton, Committee Chair at juliamsd@juno.com
Momentum Committee: Franc Palaia –Co Chair 845-486-1378 or FPalaia@earthlink.net, Nancy Cozean, Sheri Neal, Harvey Flad and Penny Dell. Advisors: Timothy Otty and David Barone of the NY State Walkway Park and Jim O’Shea and JoAnn Feigenheimer of the Cunneen-Hackett Art Center.
Directions to Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center:
This Youtube video shows Michael working on demolition of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge before it officially opened as the Walkway Over the Hudson. Working at 230 feet above the Hudson River, both during the day and at night, Michael was responsible for cutting unwanted pieces of steel off the sides of the bridge. Click on the window below to view the video.
“Momentum” is part of a project that brings two parts of my life together: my work as a sculptor and my “day job” as a construction laborer. Last year I was able to work on the Walkway Over the Hudson, cutting steel to prepare the bridge for its future life as a pedestrian walkway. I was able to collect many of the pieces I removed, and I have been incorporating them into a new series of sculpture.
The first time I walked on to the Walkway I had the idea of placing a piece of sculpture there. I was sent there by Local 17 Laborers Union to work with a demolition company. I was to be the lead cutter on the job. This was a very exciting task for me. I had to keep focused on balance and maintain a flame through each cut. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the efforts and encouragement of my safety team, also Local 17 brothers.
The idea of “Momentum” came when I was working with another laborer to roll copper coated cable I had cut earlier. Then it came to me: an abstract locomotive gliding through space. My concept was born. All I knew was that I had direction on this one and I ran with it. I wanted to establish movement and “Momentum” fit the bill.
I’ve always tried to preserve the integrity of the steel objects that I incorporate into my sculpture. I’ve been collecting raw materials for what seems to be a lifetime, but for the past 5 ½ years the materials have primarily come from the construction sites I’ve worked on. This last demolition job had archival significance – the Walkway Over the Hudson. I’ve managed to incorporate historical objects into my pieces, creating an entirely new series of work. Having respect for the fallen pieces of history seems like a lost art. So let’s explore it.
Momentum and the Bridge Works Series 