The Descent by Michael Austin

5’x5’x8’ 250lbs 
Steel, enamel Paint 

I love to travel but I also love the feeling of returning home after a great trip. This piece is inspired by the shape of an airplane rear stabiliser traveling through the air on the descent to landing. I focused on the complex variety of emotions experienced by passengers arriving at an airport. Wether it is excitement, anxiety, relief, the uncertainty of what to come, the happiness of greeting loved ones or the feeling of missing them, the descent of flight provokes immense emotions from passengers, as well as, the pilots and flight staff. My goal is to connect all views by the common experience of travel and how important it is to visit new places. This sculpture has been on display at at The Bascom art gallery in Highlands, NC & The Costal Carolina Airport in New Bern, NC.