Process

Video

Noumenon

2006
Assemblage with emanating reflection optical lens
48 x 19 x 6 inches
A unique holographic-like reflection is produced by the lens.
Collection of Everett Anschutz

The infinite source of all things when given a name may be referred to in title case as Brahman, the Absolute, God, Awareness, Universal Self, the Tao, (among others) or my favorite, Noumenon. Coined by 18th century philosopher Immanuel Kant, Noumenon means a thing as it is in itself—independent of the mind—and was often referenced by the Mumbai sage Ramesh Balsekar. He and countless other teachers have, for centuries, expressed that pure, unaffected awareness is the true Self, wherein lies peace and bliss, where the present moment is all there is. To find this Self and Source is to remove the ego, composed of thoughts and phenomenal conceptualization. Noumenon was constructed almost entirely of antique iron castings and ipe wood, fit to segue between the iron pieces. A set of iron stove doors with the center cut out to frame the emanating reflection optical lens is positioned inside a fireplace frame, which serendipitously matches the curve of the iron doors. A table saw surface with a lead-melting vat is set into the top panel, a fireplace hearth at its base, adorned with an antique dolphin candle holder—sliced in half—and swimming in an ocean of iron, as if frozen in the present moment.

Emanating Reflection Optical Lens:

I developed this lens for the Noumenon pieces by accident while looking for a way to emulate the effect of endless darkness. Bright reflections will appear to come out of the lens as if floating just in front of the glass. The effect is especially pronounced when a laser is directed into the window, here, a beautiful spider web of geometry appears and will contort and twist with any movement of the beam. The tiny dot of the laser reflection appears to float out in front of the windows. The same effect is used in, Noumenon Objectifying in Four Parts and also Noumenon and Awareness of the Endless Succession of Thought.