Public Art Projects
:: Out of Many…
“Out of Many…” was commissioned by Blue Cross Blue Shield to embody what the Minnesota Willmar City Council called their city’s “Welcoming Resolution.”
Once a primarily Scandinavian population, Willmar now has an influx and wealth of cultures that call Willmar home. The community has spent years working together to learn how to better live in a quickly growing community.
“Out of Many…” was made to reflect and commemorate this work of building understanding and unity.
The sculpture’s dress is comprised of textile patterns from the diverse people that call Willmar home. Textile submissions included a Scandinavian “crazy quilt” that was started in the 1880’s, passed down through the generations, to textiles offered from Persian, Tongan, Somalian, Karen and Mexican contributors. Children shared their crochet work, tie-dyed originals and favorite dresses- looking forward to having them included in the dress.
At first all the offerings seemed discordant in both color and pattern. Then, as the design unfolded, as they were arranged next to each other, the patterns and colors began to form a cohesiveness, an interplay that was inspiring. The designs melded together and created a beauty that surpassed their individual parts.
“Out of Many…” is based on the United States motto, E Pluribus Unum and is designed to be illumined by solar power.
Lit from within, “Out of Many…” offers to be a beacon reflecting the beauty of the community in Willmar and the American ideal that they represent.
:: Keeper of Memories
“Keeper of Memories” was an interactive memorial that resided in Hutchinson, MN for the span of one year.
It came into being on the cusp of the global pandemic. In that time of isolation and silent grief, it was my hope that people could come and interact with each other through the accumulation of shared locks or ribbons that represented memories of their loved ones.
As the offerings grew, it was possible to see how one lone contribution was part of something larger. It was part of a community of grief, of memory keepers and people who love. James said:
I was humbled as I too placed ribbons and locks for my wife who died during “Keeper of Memories” residency.
Personally sharing in the adornment of this piece is not what I envisioned when I made the sculpture, though I was buoyed by the act and the community that was represented.
It was a comfort.
:: In Unison
Created as a signature lobby sculpture for Diversified Pharmaceuticals, “In Unison” served as a reflection on balance and what can be possible when we act together toward a common goal.
Weighing nearly 600 pounds and comprising three figures, “In Unison” spirals out from a center mounting on just two small points.
This sculpture design conveys that only when each of the figures works together and supports each other could they remain standing, balanced as they were on only one foot of each of the bottom figures.
By working “In Unison,” the supporting figures are able to lift the last of their grouping high into there air.
