Infinity, 2001
Aluminum Cans

Double Flame Exhibition
Cranbrook Art Academy Museum, Bloomfield Hills, MI

“Infinity” was a piece I wanted to think about as a print and as multiple, but maybe more importantly as a modular unit. I began collecting 12 ounce aluminum cans used for soda, carbonated drinks, etc. In 1997; but wasn’t exactly sure how I would use them. Michigan’s returnable rate is among the highest in the US at .10/can and after 3 years of collecting, I had amassed a little nest egg and close to 350 cans.  

I was struggling to comprehend the finiteness of human life and the concept of eternity of the afterlife. Because of the uniform modularity of the cans I could fit them together flawlessly and create the infinity sign. With an endless supply of cans and the knowledge they would be recycled this seemed like a way I could finally wrap my head around eternity. At installation, I was four 12-paks short!