Flight Centennial Portfolio, Views From Aloft


"Views From Aloft"
Flight Centennial Collection Works on Metal Large, Combine Series Assemblage, bas relief 29.75" x 42.0" (76 x 107 cm) Jo-Ann Lizio O'Brien Large Image & Materials List
Artist's Statement: "Views from Aloft" is dedicated to the memory of Arthur E. Raymond, who designed the DC-3 aircraft, which first flew in 1933. Mr. Raymond passed away at age 99 on March 22, 1999. As I assembled "Views from Aloft" -- especially the fabrics -- the smells of former flight were dominant. The aromas of oils, solvents, pigments still remain, even after many years. Working with the fabrics revealed things on the inside, like skeletons of ancient birds, that sparkled with interest. From the delicate rib lacing, to the mossy patterns of rain infiltration between fabric and pigments, these findings become a new focus I want the viewer to share. Through the door, the subtle colors, shapes, shadows and textures of metals and fabrics form an Earth-like panorama, similar to landscapes and farm fields viewed from aloft. About the Flight Centennial Collection: "Views from Aloft", as in all works in the Flight Centennial Collection, uses structural components, flight-stressed fabrics and metals, and contemporary and vintage hardware, from aircraft that played major roles in the first century of aviation.