Client: Gables Residential

Overview

Rising Star is a stainless steel star in the process of pushing itself out of the ground, almost as if being born. The points of the star are oriented toward key landmarks such as Arlington Cemetery, the White House and the site of Rosslyn’s historical origins. The repeated pattern of perforations refer to Rosslyn’s colonial and 19th-century origins as a community along the river and its modern role supporting national defense and numerous federal agencies. I imagined Rising Star as a companion to Nancy Holt’s nearby Dark Star Park, a work I admire.

Goals

The sculpture operates at a distance as a monumental form but also rewards close scrutiny over many visits thereby maximizing the potential for interaction and discovery.

Process

The panels of the sculpture are laser cut and welded together to create a three-dimensional lantern. At night, intense point-source LED lighting brilliantly illuminates the sculpture and projects intricate and colorful shadows. The lighting brings the sculpture to life and activates the surrounding area with color. The lighting automatically cycles through different colors creating a dynamic experience.

Additional Information

12’3” height