Open Clef Ed. 2/15

About Open Clef Ed. 2/15

This contemporary bronze indoor sculpture was inspired by music and created by David Chamberlain.

David Chamberlain’s compelling, lyrical sculptures are celebrations of form inspired by a lifelong love of music. Recognized internationally as a masterful sculptor, many of Chamberlain’s pieces are contemporary representations of music—this tabletop one in patinated bronze is a clef, a musical notation symbol.

The American artist is fascinated by the concept of ‘topology’—the study of 3D spatial relations where the geometric form of each piece called a ‘loop’ appears to have insides, outsides and holes that flow seamlessly. There are four elemental types of loops, as depicted in the feature photograph of Open Clef. Beginning at the 4 o’clock position we see a loop created by a single edge turning around to pass itself and continue back across itself. At the 7 o’clock position, we discover the second type wherein two edges form a parallel ribbon-shaped loop together. At the 10 o’clock position, we observe the visual loop formed by two edges passing each other from opposite directions. Finally, at the 1 o’clock position, we find an imaginary loop created by two pairs of ribbons that open up to the outside and then return to complete the loop pattern. Limited edition—two of fifteen.

“When forms and surfaces integrate and change shape they can produce a topological phenomenon we call loops — the whorls, spirals and ribbons made by twisting and following edges. I think of edges as melody lines in space and surfaces as the orchestral instruments that fill in the harmony”.
David Chamberlain

David Allen Chamberlain was born in Canton, Ohio in 1949. He attended Princeton University in 1971 where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture. In 1977 he acquired a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania. That was followed by a graduate certificate from the Teaching Studio Art Institute of Colorado College and finally a master’s in landscape architecture from the University of Colorado. Over several decades, he has created more than 2000 pieces of artwork in various mediums which appear in both private collections and in art institutions, museums, and colleges around the world.

This sculpture can be upscaled for the outdoors. Available on a commission basis in various sizes and a variety of materials including bronze and steel. Please contact the gallery for pricing, material selection and sizing details. Allow 10 to 12 weeks for production.

Price in USD. Solid wood base and Formica. The base measures 3 H x 11.5 W x 8.5 D inches. Please note: the sculptural disc rotates and can be lifted off its base and repositioned as desired.