Client: Kaiser Permanente

Overview

Flow was commissioned by Kaiser Medical Center in Elk Grove California in 2011. The piece was inspired by the Consumnes River which is a prominent part of the local landscape. Several hundred anodized aluminum crescents were suspended from steel wires, usually three wires to a crescent. The color choices reflect the colors of the river, including the deep, rich greens of the native “maiden’s hair” an algae that forms long, beautifully flowing “locks” under the shimmering surface of the river.

Goals

The space was designed in such a way, that a sculpture in the atrium would be viewed from multiple vantage points. I wanted the sculpture to provide unique and surprising experiences from each of those vantage points.

a.) Outside the building through the glass facade: The components coalesce into one overall, ovoid shape. The sculpture resembles a opalescent cloud.

b.) The ground floor entrance and lobby looking up: The aluminum crescents resemble the currents of a river and the long, sinuous algae that grows there and is referred to by the locals as "maiden's hair". The curves of these shapes are highlighted from this angle.

c.) The second floor waiting area: The sculpture looks like a tightly gathered school of fish. The blues, greens and dark golds give off a soft shimmer, like iridescent scales. From this vantage point the straight lines and horizontality of the pieces give a sense of motion and direction.

d.) The second story physical therapy facilities: More dramatic than all other vantage points, the piece appears to be a school of fish moving away at high speed. The curves of each piece are visible, but a strong angularity unites the whole.

Process

The architects on this project were very helpful in providing not only thematic suggestions for the sculpture, but taking our drawings and placing them into their own renderings of the space. The new 3-D renderings helped us see what would and wouldn't work. All parties collaborated closely on the lighting of this piece. This is such a crucial factor when it comes to public sculpture. As an artist I really appreciated the care and concern that the architects gave to this facet of our project