“For The Time Being” is an installation of 300 spheres of ice, a senior thesis for the School of Art & Design’s B.F.A Exhibition at the University of Michigan.

Artist’s Statement

“Dolce far niente” is an Italian phrase that translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing” or “delicious idleness.”

It is quite a departure from our tendency in American culture to move rapidly through our day.  We thrive on busy schedules, grabbing coffee cups to-go, inhaling meals that only take 4 minutes and 30 seconds to prepare.  We have never-ending relationships with to-do lists, and the faster we move the more satisfied we feel.  But what gets lost in this rushed, continuously productive lifestyle is the chance to pause for a second, and be completely conscious and indulgent in the present moment.

My work has been focused on slowing time and motion to challenge this notion of frenetic and constant movement.  I am fascinated by liquid materials whose molecules move rapidly, chaotically, and constantly at room temperature, but upon freezing, slow down to an incredible degree.

The process of freezing each drop of ice has not only allowed me to slow movement on a molecular level, but also given me the chance to appreciate an object that is as precious and temporary as a single moment.
—————————————————————————————————————————————-
Music: “Indian Summer” by Jonsi and Alex

Links

Read more about Caroline Aulis (BFA 2011).