Grant Standard is a sculptor and master metal finisher whose artistic work is inspired by his spiritualty, visionary journeys and heritage. His dark matter exploration, titled “Into the Abyss” represents his favorite aspect of the Sanford Underground Research Facility. “As a metalsmith, I love the lab’s metal work. My piece represents the copper vessel and surrounding stainless tank that create the laboratory environment, the actual chamber needed to fulfill the experiment,” he says. The ‘feelers’ reaching into the center of the sculpture represent the search for dark matter inside the chamber - or the abyss. Bronze, Grant’s primary metal, has an ancient history that connects deeply both to the timeless element of the science project and to his enduring work style. He chooses metal as both material and meditation. ”It has to do with what is ancient and what is modern,” he says. “It’s stepping back in time and in space.” Grant worked in foundries in both Arizona and Colorado before moving to the Black Hills to open his own fine art foundry, Black Hills Bronze. Throughout his twenty-seven years in the art industry, he has chronicled his creative perspective through artistic creations featuring bronze, steel, copper, and castings from natural objects. Grant lives and works with his business partner wife Kristin in Hill City, South Dakota. “Safe journey space fans. . .” he adds, quoting Hearts of Space radio host, Stephen Hill. “. . . wherever you are.” July 2013
Photo Credit: Grant Standard, Sanford Underground Research Facility
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