These selected works have been chosen due to their relationship with the transition of time and/or place in some manner. Some demonstrate FLOW, others FRAGMENTATION. They convey a sense of location while embracing a state of flux.

 

WORLDCLOCK:WORLDTIME

Conceived in 2000 by Robert Studer as he flew from Tokyo to Vancouver. This journey had him arrive one hour before he had left and inspired him to create a clock that tells time around the world.  A world map rotates once every 24 hour, mimicking the earth’s rotation. Cities are graphically connected to their respective time zones and point to the correct time on the outer time ring. Various models were design and sold. Several larger conceptual proposals were developed, however never built, notably for a plaza in Whistler for the 2010 Olypmics, and for Milan, Italy which was displayed at the Triennale di Milano in 2003.

WORLDCLOCK plaza.  Designed to welcome all to Vancouver and Whistler for the 2010 Olympics. A gathering place for all nations to share in their similarities. The electronic billboards post results from the sporting competitions and events, as well as post text messages by individuals from around the world via smart phone technologies.

WORLDCLOCK 2001.  Its 4 foot diameter clock face is constructed in aluminium. Its limited production attracted international attention finding its place in hotels, corporate and private offices and several homes.

WORLDCLOCK 2002.  Designed for a larger consumer market. Wall or table mounted.

WORLDCLOCK 2003.  This six foot diameter version was commissioned by a private school in New York to introduce a broader concept of time and community to their students.

 


NAVIGATIONAL DEVICE, ORIGIN UNKNOWN

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Navigational Device, Origin Unknown

1991
Cathedral Place. 925 West Georgia, Vancouver BC
Glass, steel, illumination, motion sensors, sound
28 ft x 12 ft x 5 ft.

The largest sculpture in a series of over 100 original works by Robert Studer, called ‘Navigation, Origin Unknown’. This illuminated glass and steel sculpture interprets all movement within the entry lobby of Cathedral Place into light and sound via motion sensors. A metaphor regarding humanity’s relationship with technology.

 


 

LENS

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Lens 2003
13ft x 7ft x 1ft
Private residence. Vancouver, BC.

Six hundred hand cut pieces of sheet glass totaling 6000 lbs. stacked on end. The sculpture is a convex form that manipulates both natural and artificial light through its surface. Evocative of fluid water suspended and frozen in time, the work is positioned to take advantage of the transitioning morning and evening sunlight that penetrates into the foyer of this residence.
Design, build, install. In collaboration with Bing Thom Architects.

 


 

ATC:  ALL TERRAIN CABIN

Produced by the BARK Design Collective, the ATC is a traveling exhibition built completely from Canadian design and innovation. In 2005 the All Terrain Cabin traveled across Canada and United States to promote Canadian Design and innovation by showcasing products and design concepts from over 50 Canadian companies. Designed to be off the Grid and self-sustaining, it is highly portable and deployable. The Project was funded through Western Economic Diversification (WED) and the exhibiting Canadian companies.

The BARK DESIGN COLLECTIVE,  was a non-profit organization focused on raising the profile of Canada’s material culture on the international stage.Robert Studer and Beth Hawthorn were two of the founding members and directors.  Projects have included exhibitions in Tokyo Japan, London England, Atlanta Georgia, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa.  Speaking engagements in Seoul Korea.  The organization contributed to Canada’s material culture from 2002-2009.

 


 

FLOW

FLOW 2011
Glass, motion sensors, illumination, motors, electronics, light jet images
30ft x 9ft x 1ft thick

Abstracted and illuminated satelite images of the Cloverdale area randomly rotate based on peoples movement within the foyer of the Cloverdale Recreation Centre. A relationship is established between the desire to change our physical wellbeing and that of the constantly changing landscape that surrounds us.

 


 

PRIVATE RESIDENCE – GREAT HALL

2005
40ft x 4ft x 1.5ft
Private Residence, WhiteRock BC

Glass sculpture, suspended and illuminated. The work was inspired by the qualities of natural light passing through old growth Douglas fir trees at the clients former home. The qualities were abstracted into a linear series of glass color bands cast into the form of organic lenses. Illuminated diffuse reflections create depth in the work when walked under.

 

 

THE TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENS, ETERNAL SUNRISE

The Time When This Happens, Eternal Sunrise.
2007
Glass, aluminum, illumination, motors, electronics, light jet images
20ft x 4.5ft x 1ft
Tabor Home Society Chapel, Clearbrook BC.

This illuminated kinetic light sculpture is placed within the chapel of an assisted care facility. I asked myself “ What can I meaningfully contribute to these peoples lives who have experienced so much and are nearing the last chapter of their lives?” The answer came in creating an quiet arctic landscape that is alive with the dawning sunrise of a new day. The work constantly changes at a mysteriously  vaguely  perceptible rate with the sunrise perpetually about to break the horizon. Notable shifts of light and color occur over a period of several minutes however the work does not repeat the same cycle for 32 hours.