For my sculptures I have pioneered a technique, which I call "Active Color." This technique represents a unique synthesis of art and science with color. To my knowledge, this optical phenomenon is rarely taken advantage of in any optical material including glass. Using these techniques a sculptural object can project a near-infinite number of colors, shapes and hues depending on (1) the interaction of shifting light with (2) the orientation of the viewer as he or she moves around the work of art.
Based on my understanding of the laws of optics, I create sculptural designs using planes of one-inch thick completely water clear optical material, which is then interspersed with planes of transparent color, approximately 5-thousands of an inch thick. This produces a ratio of 1 to .005 or 99.5% clear material to colored material. The colors are created using a palate of organic dyes custom-made for commissioned works. Depending on the geometry of the surface relative to the plane of these dyes, and your viewing angle, a ray of light passes through different combinations of differently colored planes (i.e., each with a different sequence of colors), which produces an additive color that does not exist in any single colored layer. For instance, light passing through a blue-colored plane and a yellow-colored plane produces a shade of green.
To accomplish this, my primary material is optical acrylic. Optical acrylic has a unique set of properties which allows optical clarity and yet can be hand carved. Compared to glass, optical acrylic has better clarity than most glass, is half the weight and has ten times the impact strength. These properties have allowed me to build large sculptures up to ten feet in height. The fabrication of a sculpture involves cutting the sheet acrylic accordingly to my design, bonding, curing, hand carving, sanding and rigorous polishing. Each 3D design is a representation of symbolic form brought to life using a processes involving geometry, color theory, spirit and the laws of optics to produce Active Color sculptures. My Water Sculpture Series incorporates the additional optical material of water which flows inside the sculptures.
Active Color is experienced firsthand by looking at one of my sculptures: Stand before the "Heart Chalice, Red Spiral" and you will discover orientations where you can see completely through the piece, as if there were no material there at all. Walk to the left or right, or tilt your head to create another orientation, and you might not be able to see though the sculpture at all. Clarity or color dependents on the way the ray of light traces its way through the optical structure. Active Color actively engages and entrances the viewer while adding a layer of mystery. The preponderance of clear material produces a luminosity to the sculpture and magnifies the intensity of the work's presence.
The intent of my work is to produce work that is optically fascinating and complex, sensual to the touch, of classical shape and flow, which illuminates the properties of light and Active Color. Each sculpture is one of a kind, and sizes vary from 1'-12'. While I have chosen to work with polymer resins as my material for its superior optical properties, acrylic sculptures provide a practical advantage for public and private spaces due to their high-impact qualities and non yellowing properties. They may also be installed outdoors.
Terry Balle, Ph.D.
May 2006