The Art Of Rock Balancing
Michael Grab is an artist that has been 'rock balancing' since 2008. Much of his recent work has been done around the Boulder, Colorado area. Grab---yes, that's his real name---finds the process both spiritual and therapeutic.
Grab explains:
"The most fundamental element of balancing in a physical sense is finding some kind of 'tripod' for the rock to stand on.
Every rock is covered in a variety of tiny to large indentations that can act as a tripod for the rock to stand upright, or in most orientations you can think of with other rocks. By paying close attention to the feeling of the rocks, you will start to feel even the smallest clicks as the notches of the rocks in contact are moving over one another.
Parallel to the physical element of finding tripods, the most fundamental non-physical element is harder to explain through words.
In a nutshell, I am referring to meditation, or finding a zero point or silence within yourself. Some balances can apply significant pressure on your mind and your patience. The challenge is overcoming any doubt that may arise."
I was skeptical when first viewing these. But, I've seen the work of other 'balancing' artists, including outdoor installations by Andy Goldsworthy, subject of the 2001 documentary film, "Rivers and Tides".
As hard as it is to believe. the balanced rocks are configured without support other than themselves (example photographs attached), this is the case.
Michael Grab is an artist that has been 'rock balancing' since 2008. Much of his recent work has been done around the Boulder, Colorado area. Grab---yes, that's his real name---finds the process both spiritual and therapeutic.
Grab explains:
"The most fundamental element of balancing in a physical sense is finding some kind of 'tripod' for the rock to stand on.
Every rock is covered in a variety of tiny to large indentations that can act as a tripod for the rock to stand upright, or in most orientations you can think of with other rocks. By paying close attention to the feeling of the rocks, you will start to feel even the smallest clicks as the notches of the rocks in contact are moving over one another.
Parallel to the physical element of finding tripods, the most fundamental non-physical element is harder to explain through words.
In a nutshell, I am referring to meditation, or finding a zero point or silence within yourself. Some balances can apply significant pressure on your mind and your patience. The challenge is overcoming any doubt that may arise."
I was skeptical when first viewing these. But, I've seen the work of other 'balancing' artists, including outdoor installations by Andy Goldsworthy, subject of the 2001 documentary film, "Rivers and Tides".
As hard as it is to believe. the balanced rocks are configured without support other than themselves (example photographs attached), this is the case.
3 comments:
This is so beautiful, and is bringing us joy and comfort today when we are stressed and blue. I was so surprised to see you don't have hundreds of comments that I had to take a moment to thank you for sharing this. Warmly, Jacqui & Scott
Thank you, thank you, a visual meditation on the beauty of being centered and how difficult the task is to remain centered in all directions when outside forces are always attempting to dislodge the perfect alignment that reveals the image of perpetual harmony of perfect balance.
DE
I agree with Jacqui. This is positively beautiful art that is so harmonious with nature.
I hope people realize what a miracle this art truly is.
This is a demonstration that our world has changed for the better. This art is full of light.
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