STRUCTURAL STENOGRAPHER

          Stratigraphy, structure, geothermal activity and mineralization;  An expansive wealth of geologic processes and activity. 

An array of mineralogic diversity;  Multiple geologic systems/settings; 

 Folded anticline and syncline stratigraphy;  Extensional and thrust faults; Geothermal geysers; 

…the ‘Structural Stenographer,’ where to begin? 

A Brief Geologic Background

        Stratigraphic layers are similar to refrigerated cookie dough; or brownies; or innumerous delicious foods really: when pushed, they compress, then subsequently fold. Folds spatially form alternating concave-convex arcs, called anticlines and synclines. The initiating push, requires a corresponding force. Geologists typically associate this compressional force, with a thrust fault (compression). When & where that cookie dough is compressed, somewhere else it extends. Geologists typically associate this corresponding extension, with extensional faults (e.g. chop a watermelon in half, and they slide apart) and , and areas of crustal thinning, that is, being pulled apart. Where landscapes are actively thinned or pulled, near-surface temperatures increase (e.g. You prematurely pull your brownie batch from the oven, pull one apart, and are then scalded by a much hotter, liquid brownie core). This crustal thinning is a driving source of geothermal energy and activity,  which is commonly associated with geysers (e.g. Yellowstone National Park).

STRUCTURAL STENOGRAPHER

        The ‘Structural Stenographer’ is crafted from a rare, unique, and mesmerizing slab of burled carob (Arizona) with prized tigerseye graining. The graining prominently defines discretely divided layers, forming: a sequentially structured, stratified pattern; and that also forms the center of this narrative. The banded, arcing patterns portray folded stratigraphy in alternating anticline and syncline folds. 

        Adjacent from the folds lies the largest and longest section of resin art, the design of which, is a painted illustration of a (partial) thrust fault, actively compressing the folded strata (in the carob wood). 

        Adjacent but opposite (2nd largest resin art area), is hand painted resin art illustration of a geologic setting dominated by extension, highlighted by actively erupting (geothermal) geysers.

Along the opposite artwork length of where the thrust fault resin art is located, depicts a series of mostly linear, but fragmented and disjointed, plateaus (but more accurately structural ‘fins’), oriented perpendicular to the direction of thrust fault compression (from the artwork opposite end). The final, but more complicated (always structural geology related) component essentially explains how the initial compressing thrust fault is not only related to, but actually  the other two extensional systems, and that can be explained through actual structural geology principles and mathematic models.

–  –   simple from this point forward!   –  – 

        High grade vanadinite (Morocco) was intricately placed into areas dominated by extensional faulting. Pristine mineral specimens display pyromorphite replacement (green to red; shown in vanadinite photo). A mineralogic array of zeolites and associated minerals, that include: apophyllite; stilbite; heulandite; druzy quartz; and calcite (India); are predominantly situated within the zone of geothermal activity. The combination of (Moroccan) vanadinite and gold flake was implemented to highlight and compliment the carob tigerseye graining and overall fabric; and then selectively paired with the (India) zeolite group. An ammonite fossil (also Morocco) that perfectly matched the concavity of the carob, was inset to further compliment the burled tigerseye graining and patterned layering divisions. A piece of Madagascar petrified wood, featuring the desired contrast of color but of similar hues, completed the ‘Structural Stenographer.’  The artwork is formidably thick, which adds substantial weight but also maximizes its beauty by  proportionally enhancing its vast, captivating, field of depth.

        The crafting of the ‘Structural Stenographer’  was intended for geo- tabletop; coffee table display. It can potentially be displayed as mounted wall art, but doing so will subdue its field of depth by displaying the artwork exactly perpendicular to the direction it is viewed. Professional wall mounting would be required. To maximize the vast number of aesthetic elements in this artwork, please allow or place where there is sufficient light (indirect window light or artwork display lighting).