A WORLD AMONG THE STARS

Named after the comet, KEPER is a project that explores what happens when I mix the rugged edges of volcanic stone with a deep black design. The comet itself is named after Johannes Kepler, a man who was both an astronomer and astrologer. 

Johannes Kepler lived at a time when there was no real distinction between astrology and astronomy. I wanted to create a sphere that reflected that. KEPLER is meant to reflect this idea that somehow magic and science are not wholly separate. Not everything can or needs to be explained to be enjoyed.

I love thinking about the edges of science. Those places where the unexplainable take shape. That order arises out of chaos and then descends once again into itself. There are untold beauties in the unknown. 

Serendipity is required to create a work of art such as this. I struggled to make this one the first few attempts, and frankly, it took a bit of luck and magic to get it to all come together. 

This is one of the most challenging spheres to make. 

We are all guided by forces both seen and unseen, known and unknown. Each time I decide to make KEPLER, it seems more of a calling than a choice. Each stone has to be perfectly placed. Each piece is a world of itself. If one of the stones falls out of place as each layer builds, the process must be started over.

I remember the frustration I felt. Concrete staining my clothes, and on my third attempt to master this project, I was nearly finished when one of the rocks came loose, yet again. It is moments like these that we either find a way forward or we abandon our heart’s pursuits.

Thankfully, I persisted. The determination forced me to find a creative solution to my problems and led to on of my favorite innovations, our exclusive STARDUST CATCHER.

The few KEPLER planters that I make are handcrafted, combining German volcanic stone, locally sourced pigment, and my secret concrete blend. 

Unlike any other sphere I make, KEPLER draws and pulls at me. I don’t create it often. I may never make another one again. But if I do, it will be because of something greater than myself. The sphere symbolizes both sides of the human experience. 

The forces of science and faith guide our daily lives, just as they did for Johannes Kepler, and that is why I named the sphere, in honor of the comet, that bears his name. This is a world among the stars, meant to evoke an endless sense of wonder.

This dark and rugged sphere inspires curiosity. It is art meant to be displayed where you want to be inspired by this unique duality of the human experience. It is a symbol of the contrast between what you can see and what you feel.

KEPLER will always remain a love affair with the expansive void both out in space, and within our souls. An affair, a void, I may never explore again.