THE PORTAL

The Portal is a monumental kinetic sculpture that symbolizes the convergence of elemental forces and personal transformation. At its heart are two 1,000-pound stainless steel rings, counter-rotating around a narrow bridge. These rings release fire, fog, steam, and water, each marked by elemental symbols. As you step into the sculpture, you cross a threshold where these forces combine into a dynamic, immersive vortex — an ‘elemental wormhole’ you may choose to pass through.

Conceived as a rite of passage, the experience is both physical and spiritual. The rings accelerate as you walk forward, surrounding you with swirling vapor and the scents of Palo Santo and copal. At the portal’s peak, fire erupts from horns above, sanctifying your crossing. Then, as you descend the bridge, the sculpture quiets — reactive only to your movement. Designed for one person at a time, the 2-foot-wide bridge ensures an intimate, introspective journey where your voice resonates powerfully, echoing like a divine whisper from within.

Constructed with both symbolism and practicality in mind, the portal was modeled in Blender and SketchUp to balance sculptural form with modular design. Crafted from stainless steel sheets and supported by custom jigs, each segment was built to be portable—sized to pass through doorways and handled by two people. This allows the sculpture to be installed indoors or outdoors, preserving the sacred experience in any setting.