The Meaning Behind the Award
The circular shaped clear crystal represents the eye and an aspiration toward clarity of vision. The retina is suggested by the intense light, which focuses around the curved edge of the disk. Sixteen equilateral prisms attached to each side of the crystal disk have a dual meaning. In one respect they represent photoreceptors by the way they receive, process, and transmit light into color, images, and detail, and in a more abstract sense, the layout and design of the prisms suggest computer technology, representing one of the tools that might contribute to future significant breakthroughs. Finally, the crystal rests on a black anodized aluminum base, which begins as a straight, thick wedge that tapers as it moves toward the center. The thick, curved bottom of the sculpture rests there giving the illusion that the base is unfolding from the sculpture and suggesting that darkness is falling away, returning light and vision.
