Cat on a Pillar is 5 feet high, 1 foot wide, and 1 foot deep weighing nearly 300 pounds. It is constructed from a Caterpillar tractor engine connecting rod (center) and piston (mounted on top). These elegantly brass plated parts are accompanied by a nickel plated ring, bolt, and bushing. Together, the pieces weigh almost 50 pounds. At the base, is a custom chocolate marble pedestal constructed from the very earth it could have displaced. On top of the piston is a specially designed neon light (not shown) that represents the spark associated with the combustion engine. |
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The Piston and Connecting Rod are intricate parts of combustion engine. Their purpose is to transfer power from the explosion in the cylinder to the crankshaft thus turning the crankshaft and creating motion. The cylinder chamber that houses the piston is constructed of forged steel while the piston in general may be fabricated from forged steel or aluminum. The latter, aiding in the overall reduction of weight and heat displacement. With the invention of the combustion engine came many changes in history. One such change was the industrial revolution. This particular piston is over twice the size of a normal automobile piston. It's primary task as part of the heavy equipment found in earth movers, was to withstand the rigorous task of operating under tremendous stress from it's master builder, the Caterpillar Tractor. This piston had seen it's day and was saved from the Salvage Yard. But not before it had taken part in the building of thousands of miles of road, many of which you may have traveled today.Cat on a Pillar is a tribute to the men and women who built our roads, many of whom gave their lives in doing so. It symbolizes the solidarity and union of the common man working together and acting as one voice. Whose strength has formed miles of stepping stones and overcome the stumbling blocks to unit our great cities and countries.Take a moment and enjoy Cat on a Pillar and remember those special moments (or potholes) and journeys that may have been part of your greatest memories.
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