Plasticus thalamus
Post-consumer HDPE #2 plastic + UV Stabilizer, Stainless steel2024
Currently installed at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Available through I.M. Weiss Gallery
Throughout the summer of 2024, Norman spent time exploring the grounds and archives of the historical estate built by Edsel and Eleanor Ford in 1928. Throughout the residency, Norman also worked with Ford House staff to gather the plastic waste that resulted from normal daily operations across the historic estate, as well as the surrounding community.
Made from more than 125 lbs of locally sourced post-consumer HDPE plastic from Ford House + the Grosse Pointe communities, extruded over stainless steel, Plasticus Thalamus is inspired by the arbors and arches found in many traditional English and French gardens, Cody Norman’s archway is inspired by the arch at the gate house that welcomes you to Ford House. Instead of vines and other organic plant-life, this arbor is encrusted in recycled plastic hand extruded to resemble coral, blurring the line between synthetic and natural.
Fabrication/Installation Assistance - Calvin Anderson
Assistance - Jordan Campbell, Redemptive Plastics, Justin Diaz-Krieg
Photos: Madison Muszynski for I.M. Weiss Gallery
