Title: Stairway to Enlightenment

Creator: Kate Bickmore

Region: Clinton

Date: 2015

Medium: ceramic, plaster

Technique: sculpting

Dimensions: 108 inches (height) x 120 inches (width) x 3 inches (depth)

Description: During the installation of this work, artist Kate Bickmore noticed ants climbing up the sculpted forms like a staircase, inspiring her title for the work, Stairway to Enlightenment. The work has an ongoing relationship with nature. Visit at sunset to see the special effect of light at that time. The contrast of highlight and shadow brings a magical glow to the forms. Time will tell the effect that the elements will have upon this work, and how it will continue to evolve.

Inspired by nature, the forms subtly blend in with their surroundings. In her first year studying art at Hamilton College Bickmore began installing mushroom shapes along the stairs leading to the List Art Center. The work evolved over her years on campus, culminating in a more permanent installation in 2015. Bickmore's work continues to explore invasive species as a metaphor for her own emergence in man-made settings that can be prohibitive.

This work and the others in this section are just a few examples of the multitude of art you can see on the Hamilton College campus. Make sure to tour the campus to see more public art like this. Also take time to visit the galleries on campus, at the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art and the new Kevin and Karen Kennedy Center for Theatre and the Studio Arts.

Subject: Public art, Outdoor sculpture

Rights: © Kate Bickmore 2015

(In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/)

Find out more:

ID#: AO-00123

Location: Hamilton College, Clinton, stairway on the north side of the List Art Center, facing the Kirner Johnson Building