Chance Wanders

fiberglas, dimensions variable, 1998.

"sed tors incerta vagatur, fertque refertque vices, et ha bent mortalia casus"

"but Chance at random wanders, bringing change after change,and accident is master of mortal affairs"

Lucanus, Pharsalia II (Civil War), A. D. 61-65, translation by Susan H. Braund

I was in the south of France in the mid 1980's photographing Formula One racing and the 24 Hours of Le Mans when I had an unexpected opportunity to visit a factory in Grasse that manufactured specialized racing helmets for premier racing drivers.  The chief designer escorted me into a special room for research that contained broken and crushed helmets duplicating the fatal accidents of well known drivers.  Unfortunately he did not give me permission to photograph the emotional examples so a dozen years later I designed this sculpture inspired by the experience.

Chance Wanders, front view, fiberglas, dimensions variable, 1998.