Objective Commissioned by Valley Metro Light Rail: To create original, permanent outdoor sculptural artwork which enhances and beautifies the immediate environment for one of twenty-eight stations along a new, 20-mile light rail train line spanning Phoenix, Tempe and into Mesa, Arizona.
Approach Under the guidance of a professional review panel, public art manager and project lead artist, as well as working closely with the station architect, structural engineer, community members and stakeholders, to conceive of a sculptural idea that conceptually bridges the history of the immediate area with the current proximity of the East Valley Institute of Technology student campus. Proposed artwork required following constraints of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) design guideline regulations.
Solution Working in conjunction with the General Contractor regarding foundation, installation and scheduling issues, the creation of a symbolic, twenty-foot tall stand alone metal sculpture, entitled Seed Giver, located at the center of the station platform. Clustered around the sculpture and gradually extending outward towards both side entrances of the 300-ft station platform, are more than one-hundred integrated cast aluminum paving inserts.
Impact Whether one is a frequent or occasional light rail user, the daily presence of the sculpture composition provides an enriching and memorable experience for the viewer. For those who rarely seek out an experience with visual art, this public artwork offers a unique opportunity for engagement and dialogue.
DESIGN PROCESS / from conception to installation This series of images show the process of designing, building and installing the sculpture described above. The photo sequence begins with simple concept drawings, progressing through steel fabrication, transport to receive industrial powder-coating, and finally, delivered in sections to the station platform for permanent installation. The last image contains a concept statement, permanently attached to the station platform.