My project while in residency at Lakeside Lab began with the intention to represent Lake Okoboji. In particular, I was interested in portraying its unique bathymetry (the contours of the lake under water). I was thrilled to find several bathymetric maps of the lake in the Limnology Lab, which seemed almost abandoned – it felt like digging through treasure chests in a shipwreck.
After studying the bathymetry contours closely, as well as learning about the quality of the water from the lake, I became more inclined towards a smaller scale, where the viewer/participant could immerse their heads into the bathymetry. Therefore, I decided to design a drinking fountain in the shape of the lake. What followed was a labor intensive process of creating a sculpture of the contours made with cardboard, which would serve as a mold for carving out the lake into a concrete form. The models were presented at an “in-progress” showing, alongside inspirational music and video.
A concrete form with a hollow basin in the shape of the lake was created, with a drinking spout and plumbing embedded. With limited potable water fountains throughout campus, this project not only fulfills a need for visitors, students, faculty and staff, but also creates a moment for appreciation of the natural resources available on site.
Alicia Marván 