Markers & Reconstructions

Markers seek to find a balance between the unpredictability of found material and the exactness of precise, sawn "marks." These marks imply some sort of oblique coda while the stone, un-selfconciously, tells its own story. Neither the stone nor the implied message of the marks is meant to overwhelm one another. The goal is a parity between the two. Usually a Marker is a vertical sculpture in reference to "standing stones" common numerous prehistoric cultures.

Reconstructions make use of the same odd shaped quarry discards that are drawn upon for Markers. In difference, Reconstructions are separated or deconstructed (sawn or broken) then reassembled, or reconstructed.

Columns & Monoliths

Monoliths are a very early series of sculptures that take a single stone and saw it as a loaf of bread would be sliced. The stone is then reassembled around layers of glass that are hand cut to reiterate the shape of the stone. Light invigorates the glass by transmitting, or passing through the medium from back to front, similar to that of a stained glass window.

Columns are architecturally inspired. Their method of assembly and strong, repeated pattern, mimics the rhythm of an architecture. 

New City

When Otto Rigan moved to the American Southwest, he was shocked to see how easily landscape was sacrificed in the name of development. In the desert, where all non-arid landscape has a tenuous hold at best, it seemed especially brutal that trees, in particular,  should experience such an unceremonious demise after such a struggle. These sculptures attempt to celebrate salvaged trees.

Wall Works

Topographies and Quarry Boards are two of various series of works that address the unique context of the wall. 

Topographies are defined by use of a thin "skin" of natural cleft stone inlaid with glass. The Artist considers these pieces landscapes, as they often imply the rawness of the desert as seen from above. 

Quarry Boards are assemblages made up of discarded timbers used in the quarrying and stone fabrication processes. These boards are abraded and heavily used until they disintegrate. The Artist salvages what he can and reassembles them in quilt-like patterns. 

Low Stones

Low Stones are a generic description of sculptures that engage the viewer in a more introspective manner. Rather than facing these sculptures upright, one needs to look down, and into them. It is intended that all Low Stones would be "happened upon" rather than set in open spaces and seen from afar. They reflect light from overhead, and are best placed below their light source. Low Stones include River Rocks and Milestones.