Nov 08
In 2013, Dorothy Tanner began to work with fiber optics in combination with LED lighting.
She named the sculpture String Theory.
String Theory by Dorothy Tanner (detail) using fiber optics and LEDs
Triad (2014) was the second and last of Dorothy Tanner’s light sculptures that used fiber optics
Triad (detail) by Dorothy Tanner
Triad (detail) by Dorothy Tanner
Triad (detail) by Dorothy Tanner
Video of Triad by Lumonics’ Marc Billard
Nov 07
Abundant (1983) by Mel Tanner
When I first walked into the original Lumonics Light and Sound Theatre in Miami 51 years ago, Abundant was one of the first light sculptures to catch my eye. It was reworked a couple of times during Mel Tanner’s lifetime, the last time in 1983. I would ask Mel why he would want to change such a wonderful sculpture, and he would say, “That piece always bothered me.”
This happened a few times over the years!
Abundant was taken out of storage one year ago, electrified with LED bulbs, and is prominently placed in the performance space at Lumonics.
You can see Abundant in person on Saturday evenings at Lumonics Immersed.
corner section of performance space with Abundant on left side
Nov 07
When Mel and Dorothy Tanner closed their co-op Granite Gallery on W. 57th Street in New York City in 1966, their intention was to travel in Europe. They bought a VW bug in Rotterdam, and started their road trip. Their art studio was mobile. Here are a few examples of the art Mel created, including a drawing of Dorothy.
Nov 06
Before Dorothy Tanner began using acrylic glass as a medium, she worked with a variety of materials including wood, clay, paper maché, plaster, copper, brass, steel and polyester.
Dorothy especially enjoyed creating portraits in sculpture.
Two photos below are from portraits of Mel Tanner (wood )and his sister, Jocelyn Tanner (plaster):
