CREATION
IN CONVERSATION WITH DR. MARTIN SCHNEEBELI
FB: To kick off our discussion, I’d like to start with a fundamental question: How is snow actually formed and how does temperature and air saturation influence its development into the intricate shapes we see?
MS: The formation of snow begins with the solidification of water droplets and the deposition of water vapor onto these droplets, resulting in the creation of ice crystals. The specific shape these crystals take—whether they form as platelets or columns—is determined by the temperature and the degree of saturation in the air. In conditions favoring the formation of platelets, it’s the basal, or side, surfaces that expand most rapidly. Conversely, in conditions conducive to column formation, it’s the prismatic surfaces that see the quickest growth. The environment within a cloud is highly variable, fluctuating between colder and warmer, wetter and drier states. This variability ensures that each snow crystal is distinct, bearing its unique history. Despite this diversity, all snow crystals share a common structural trait: they crystallize in a hexagonal pattern, rendering the hexagon the foundational shape of every crystal.
GENESIS
2021
“Genesis” marks the beginning of this story, embodying the inception of our journey through snow’s metaphorical and literal landscapes. This piece is an artful assembly of seven meticulously drilled samples of Lasa marble, each with a diameter of 58mm, mirroring the singularity and elegance of snow crystals. Like the individuality found in nature’s frosty designs, every marble column stands distinct, celebrating the diversity inherent in the natural world.
To achieve coherence and unity among these unique elements, iron rods measuring 240mm in length and 6mm in diameter are employed, threading through each marble piece to create a cohesive structure. This assembly utilizes two rods for each segment, except for the pivotal central element, which acts as the cornerstone through which each rod intersects. This deliberate arrangement, with rods staggered and rotated in relation to one another, ensures a dynamic interplay of form and space. The precise positioning of the through-holes is carefully calibrated to the marble’s natural veining, further accentuating the individual character of each piece. “Genesis” not only marks the beginning of the story but also invites reflection on the interplay between the ephemeral beauty of snow and the enduring strength of marble, bridging the temporal with the timeless.
Materials: Lasa marble Ø 58mm, iron rods Ø 6mm – Dimensions: 300x200x420mm – Weight: 21.1 Kg
PROCESS
COLLABORATION:
LASA MARMO
Everything started on September 7, 2020 with the visit of the company „Lasa Marmo“ in Laas, a small village in Vinschgau (South Tyrol). Together with Harry Thaler and Martino Gamper we visited the white Weißwasserbruch at 1526m and the manufacturing hall. Laser marble has a very long tradition and is known to be particularly pure and of high quality. Marble has been quarried and processed in Lasa since the late 19th century. The quarry is part of the Jennmassiv, which is one of the largest marble deposits in the world. During the tour, I noticed a particular waste product of the extraction process.
The most expensive marble is the exceptionally white one, i.e. the one that does not show any gray or brownish discolorations. To find out where in the vein of the mountain this is located, drill samples are taken. These samples help to decide which part of the mountain will be removed. The waste product is the first item in the creation of any marble product.
Because of this meaningfulness, this very material was chosen to represent the formation of the snow.
Due to the characterizing shape, these cylinders offer many possibilities. By grouping seven columns, a hexagonal basic shape is created from the round basic shape in its entirety. The basic shape of any snow crystal. Like the snow crystal, this object is made up of several individual parts which differ a little among themselves. Like the water drops create the crystal, the individual columns form the object.
To hold these individual columns together as a group, iron rods with a diameter of 6 mm were chosen. The connection of these columns is a continuation of the same.
The iron rods themselves behave like small drill samples. These pass through three columns at a time. The theme of interpenetration is continued and completes the aesthetics of this exhibit. The drill samples of different lengths are first, shortened to the correct measure. To insert the iron rods through the marble, a hole must first be drilled. The diameter of this hole is also 6 mm and was created using a standing drill.
Due to the round shape of the rods and the necessary precision of the individual holes, a special fixture had to be built. This enables the holes to be drilled in the correct position and parallel to the one above.
Very high precision is required, otherwise the individual columns will not fit together.
After drilling, the specimens are cleaned and lightly ground. The last step is to insert the iron bars. Due to the strong tension, the iron rods hold the columns together without any further fixtures.
