This commissioned project presented itself as part of a state-funded building, built in 1959, on the campus of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Chadbourne Hall. 

Constructed as a Y-shaped Residence Hall, Chadbourne Hall stretches upward in stark contrast to its counterpart and other half, Barnard Hall. Barnard Hall and its handsome style of architecture, that had for so many years characterized the buildings on Madison’s campus, began to be replaced by more cost effective, space-efficient “high density structures.” The state was asking for a public work – inside or outside – that could be sited at either or both residence halls. 

Through my process, I was drawn over and over again to the footprint of Chadbourne Hall’s Y-shape, a shape that became an integral component of my found object. I challenged myself to create a sculpture utilizing only this shape, ascertaining that the sculpture would have to fully and effectively come together in combination and connection. The sculpture would symbolically unify the two residence halls, while conveying the appearance of togetherness.

I tasked myself with creating Ellipsoid , an 8 ’x 8’ x 8’ welded aluminum sculpture – a new “high density structure” that would stand in reflection of the past as a marking of the present, looking towards its unfolding future, a form standing in connection with the spirit of this place.