Skye Group

Created between 1998 and 2005, Skye Group (3) consists of three steel structures each measuring over eight feet high. Theel describes his concept for these pieces as beginning with the opening of a vessel; the part that is physically not there: "I literally conceived first the non-material opening, and then gave it shape by applying the material, in this case steel. I wanted the sculptures to reach out and open up, 'like the flower reaching towards the sun,' as someone observed." Aspects of Theel's installation were also inspired by Stonehenge in England, a renowned prehistoric site of sun worship. As at Stonehenge, viewers are invited to "enter" Skye Group (3) to walk around and among the structures. Theel's interest in architecture, "in this case the house in particular as vessel, body or shelter," also influences his work.