Phishing for Phocus — Geist Design Mill

3’ x 8’ hand ground thin-shell concrete table, rubbed with oil to accent abraded images

I created this piece as a working surface in my studio space to serve as an ever present reminder to move with purpose. There are four fields to the piece: the first depicts the betrayal of technology, the second - the delusion of religion, the third - the folly of leadership, the fourth field (atop the piece) is left blank as to say "what now?". The piece was hung from the ceiling on salvaged 6 ton ships chain adding a dramatic frame to the piece’s impact.

As children we were taught that technology would set us free.

Now it chains us to our desks, ceaselessly watches us, and monitors our thoughts.

The evolution of man, the all-seeing eye depicts the creation of a modern deity concept, with figure of equal form on either side repeating the question "did you create us - right after we created you?"

The science accepted as the evolution of man, proving false the religious concept of creation, calls to question all of the accompanying absolutes of religion.

By either method (flame or smoke) the result of modern leadership is the same - folly

A large field is left open at the head of the piece as to say, "what now?". This is not intended to be a defeatist comment, but a challenge - if the methods of progress the world would offer are false - a true path must be laboured toward.