For this public art project I created for the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) in New York, I designed floor to ceiling glass panels spanning three sides of the 36th Avenue subway station in Astoria, Queens. The installation features vibrantly hued and mysteriously suspended forms referencing both the diverse social fabric of Astoria and the daily commutes of riders within the station. The simple forms, such as stripes and diamonds, became dynamic patterns when repeated, suggesting everything from ancient textiles, tapestry to fractals and microscope photography. The geometric patterns reflect the repetitive nature of commuting, that is at once familiar and yet, each day always different. The project was completed on time and on budget.

The multi-layered, translucent character of my work in paint is perfectly suited to be translated into glass. In my paintings, I start with clear acrylic polymers over a dark ground. Lines are subsequently suspended and manipulated creating an underlying network of complex folds and undulations. I add translucent color according to an ordered system, creating patterns unique to each work. Through repetition, I eventually create paintings with luminous surfaces up to ¾” deep.

The MTA project enabled me to think about how my work could be translated to a much larger scale. The simple geometries I favor, when repeated, become complex patterns, suggesting everything from ancient textiles and tapestries to fractals and electron microscope photography. There are also optical vibrations to the work that suggest Op and Kinetic art of the 1960s: in fact, the title, “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” comes from a 60s song by Tommy James.

 Even though I work within narrow parameters, it is important to me to create work that remains open, allowing for as many readings as possible. The colors and patterns, and the way they weave together and yet stay defined, reflect the way a vibrant mix of nationalities comes together to create the diverse neighborhood of Astoria. The work also reflects the repetitive nature of commuting; a daily routine, at once familiar and yet, each day different. There is also an urban energy and relentlessness to the work, reflecting the way we are all affected by technology, and the bombardment of images from the media.

 The interaction of the work and its environment, reflecting the light of day in myriad ways, casting colored shadows and lines, glowing from within at night, incites engagement and conversation, providing a reason for commuters of all experiences, ages and backgrounds, to stop for a moment and share a connection, however brief. 

 The project was executed over a two-year period, and I worked closely with the fabricator to create the permanent installation.

 Using ultra high-resolution images of my work, I carefully knit together digital files in actual size for the forty-seven floor to ceiling windows of the station. Even though I was working digitally, it was a very hands-on, analog process, making small precise hand movements, painstakingly patching pixels together, and color calibrating the images. Each window, 96" x 35”, consists of three layers of ¾” thick tempered glass. Sandwiched in between the glass, two layers of color films, in alignment, create exceptional depth and luminosity to the work.

 Even on a cloudy day, the sun bathes the interior of the station in a kaleidoscopic whirl of color, reflection, and light, creating an immersive experience for commuters; while at night, the station is lit artificially from within, becoming a glowing beacon and a landmark to the cars below.

This installation features vibrantly hued and mysteriously suspended forms referencing both the diverse social fabric of Astoria and the daily commutes of riders within the station. After the music composition by Tommy James, the artwork is titled Crystal Blue Persuasion. The simple forms, such as stripes and diamonds, became dynamic patterns when repeated, suggesting everything from ancient textiles, tapestry to fractals and microscope photography. The geometric patterns reflect the repetitive nature of commuting, that is at once familiar and yet, each day always different.