Client: CenterCal Properties
Location: Meridian, ID, United States
Completion date: 2013
Project Team
Client
Fred Bruning
Artist
Brian Keith
Industry Resource
Monterey Sculpture Foundry
Monterey Sculpture Center
Overview
Inspired by the artwork of Norman Rockwell and the inventive stories of Dr. Seuss, these sculptures are cast in bronze and have been uniquely created for this location. Together, this series of sculptures captures the essence of inspiration, learning, and transformation.
Goals
Both the client and I aimed to craft an interactive and inspirational public art installation. This series of sculptures intricately weaves together three distinct yet cohesive artistic expressions. The "Butterfly Swing," currently at rest on stacks of books, anticipates a moment of inspiration when two butterflies will carry it skyward. As one engages with the swing, attention may shift to a towering stack of books undergoing a metamorphosis. The pages unfold, teeming with potential, akin to the transformative process within a caterpillar's chrysalis. Delicate butterflies gracefully emerge from the pages, symbolizing the metamorphosis fueled by knowledge and learning.
The pinnacle of the series, titled "New Wings," captures a poignant transformation. A young girl, adorned with her own pair of butterfly wings, radiates sheer joy as she embarks on a journey to explore boundless horizons. Together, these sculptures narrate a compelling story of inspiration, transformation, and the limitless possibilities that unfold through the pursuit of knowledge.
Process
Fred Bruning expressed a desire to incorporate works of art into the development's water feature and communal space. Upon evaluating the architecture and landscape design, I suggested a concept that revolves around the theme of reading and learning, visually represented through butterflies. The proposed story, narrated through the eyes of a young girl, symbolizes her metaphorical acquisition of wings through knowledge.
The concept design successfully conveyed this narrative, and the project was executed efficiently, being completed well before the deadline and within the allocated budget. Collaborating with Fred Bruning on this endeavor was truly an incredible opportunity.