Client: Private

Overview

Dream Wall is a multi-media work that combines sculpture, sound, 3D animation and projection mapping. It is a collaborative effort between Hubert Phipps, Zed Bennett Jr., Jeff Grantz, Jason Crigler, Sam Okerstrom-Lang and Autin Wright. Jeff Grantz, team coordinator, brought in Jason Crigler to produce the sound design and Sam Okerstrom-Lang of Masary Studios to create the 3D animation and projection mapping. Dream Wall was installed in a purpose-built reflection pool at Phipps’ studio complex in Middleburg, Virginia. It was unveiled to the public in the Fall of 2019 at an event benefiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Goals

The mission and goal for Dream Wall is to give the public a compelling metamorphic experience that engages both the visual and auditory senses.

Phipps recognizes the importance of embracing technology as part of his artistic practice. Dream Wall melds the the traditional process of creating
sculpture with innovative technology.

The project is based on the theme of human/spiritual transformation. Additional guidance was given by Phipps in the form of five words: HEART,
SOUL, MYSTERY, PURITY, and INTENSITY.

Process

The process for Dream Wall originated with the development of the sculptural form. Phipps developed the sculpture by experimenting with various materials including clay, bronze and wood.

It was further enhanced by working in collaboration with CG artist Zed Bennett Jr. Virtual reality was utilized to visualize the sculpture at scale before Phipps provided a computer model to the Tany Foundry in Hangzhou, China.

Next, while the full scale piece was being fabricated in copper plate at the Tany Foundry, animation and projection mapping were being developed by Masary Studios and tested on a maquette.

Crigler developed the sound design by focusing in on the important features of the animation. Grantz provided critical sourcing and direction for the projection and sound equipment, along with overseeing its installation.

Additional Information

The collaboration began in June of 2019 and installation was completed four months later and unveiled on October 10. The timeline included the assembly of the team of artists, the fabrication and shipping of the sculpture from China, and construction of the reflection pool. Of all the collaborators Phipps had only worked with Bennett previously. It was unveiled at a private event attended by 125 guests. The audiences's response was overwhelmingly positive and emotional.