Client: Miami Dade Housing

Overview

Title Sunburst Woodstorks Medium hand-carved/hand-painted ceramic tile Dimensions 10′ x 8.75′ Date 2016 Locatoin Stirrup Plaza II, Coconut Grove Client / Agency Miami Dade Housing Authority Budget $35,000

Goals

These wading birds are at the lobby entrance of Stirrup Plaza 2: When Ebenezer Stirrup, a Bahamian-born entrepreneur, began building homes in early 20th century Coconut Grove, the Everglades were much closer than they are today. More than 300 species of birds make this area their home. “Snowbirds,” immigrants from the Caribbean basin and other residents alike, find comfort and beauty here.

Process

I have developed innovative art solutions across diverse sites and have used a myriad of media in my public art making (cortada.com/publicart). I have extensive experience working collaboratively with project team members. This is one of eight projects recently commissioned for the Miami-Dade Housing Authority. I collaborated with Related Urban, the developer, and the sites' architects, engineers, and contractors to create integrated works.

Additional Information

Upon entering the property, the Wading Birds courtyard announces to visitors that life and art exist harmoniously. This convening place incorporates the namesake of the building, the journey of its inhabitants and the shared history of all South Floridians – with our neighbors in the Caribbean basin.