



Client: Women's and Children's Hospital
Location: Houston, TX, United States
Completion date: 2014
Artwork budget: $20,000
Project Team
Artist
Mark Ditzler
Mark Ditzler Glass Studio, LLC
Art Consultant
Jessica Taccolini
American Art Resources
Overview
The location required the artwork be designed to fit a curving wall 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide. The individual panels follow the curve in the wall, and the spacing can be adjusted. The placement of the individual glass butterflies placed above reach helped to fill the upper wall, with a few across the lobby. The number of butterflies can be increased according to budget. Adequate lighting will cast colorful shadows below each butterfly.
Goals
The overall focus was to create a colorful and fun glass feature to benefit the children visiting the hospital. My hope was to attract and entertain them momentarily from a potentially stressful situation. One goal was to use butterfly specimens that are commonly found in Texas and would be recognized as local. The butterflies are larger than life. They appear to spring off the panels and rise up the wall, hopefully lifting the spirit of each passing viewer.
Process
The art consultant provided photos of the space, color boards of the interior finishes and a budget. The studio in turn provided several design proposals. The consultant and client reviewed the proposals, requesting a few changes. The studio then provided samples of the panels and butterflies for approval. The finished glass panels and butterflies were crated and shipped to the site. Installation was by the art consulting firm.
Additional Information
Because the butterflies are so simple to install, but produce a dramatic grouping, I would love to see a massive "Monarch Migration" piece completed on a large wall. With good spot-lighting such a piece would be stunning!