Client: Los Angeles County Arts Commission
Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States
Completion date: 2012
Artwork budget: $36,000
Project Team
Artist
Louise Griffin
GriffinMade
Public Art Agent
Erin Harkey
Los Angeles County Arts Commission
Architect
Erik Mar
EMAR Studio
Industry Resource
Triview Glass
Overview
The artwork for the East Rancho Dominquez public library is comprised of six 14'H glass panels of varying widths. The six panels, totaling 325SF, are comprised of computer-generated collages laminated between two layers of tempered glass and hung 10'AFF in custom-designed hardware. Part of Percent for the Arts program, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission along with the stakeholders decided the library's artwork should be created by an emerging, local artist that had not completed any public commissions. The inspiration for the art came from fruitful discussions with the stakeholders, interactions with local youth and time spent in the community.
Goals
Located in Los Angeles County, the East Rancho Dominguez Public Library is the first LEED Platinum building for the county. Designed by Carde Ten Architects, the new 7200SF building takes advantage of Southern California's natural light by placing windows along its double height space. The artwork has the same proportions as the large windows and their colors compliment the architecture’s palette. The glass artwork is mounted at the same height as the windows which is a datum throughout the building.
The location for the artwork was predetermined to be above the reception desk. After seeing the construction documents, I suggested the artwork extend past the reception desk and into the main reading room. In this way, the artwork slowly reveals itself as library patrons move through the building. Each piece is experienced in a slightly different way because of the scale or ceiling treatments throughout the main room.
The width of the artwork is 5'-0” W, 3'-6”W and 1'-9”W. These sizes are based on reveals that the architect created in the drywall. The artwork fits between reveals creating a seamless transition from architecture to art.
Process
The process was collaborative from the very beginning. The three short-listed artists met at the East Rancho Dominguez community center where we were introduced to the Neighborhood Association President. She took the three of us on a walk, pointing out the significant buildings including the public park and the new grocery store. We ended at the existing library where we were introduced to the head librarian. Together, the two ladies explained the important role the library served in their community.
After winning the commission, the stakeholders explained their goals and aspirations for the artwork. The library and the Neighborhood Association President wanted artwork that engaged the community. The County of Los Angeles was interested in sustainability and the architect was interested in a style and color that complemented the building.
I was able to create artwork that conveys a feeling, tells a story and is in harmony with the design of the building. Each collage features a tree from the neighborhood layered with a historic map of Los Angeles. The trees represent the diversity and strength of its residents and the maps locate the area through time. When layered, the two celebrate the community of East Rancho Dominquez.
Additional Information
The stakeholders were very pleased with the outcome of the artwork. I was commissioned to create a small booklet that described the inspiration for the artwork including the public engagement with the community. The booklet can be downloaded or checked out at the East Rancho Dominquez public library.