Environmental Artwork
"Journey of the River and the Sun"
- Date: 1997
- Location: Cesar Chavez and Wabasha Streets, St. Paul,
- Medium: Carved limestone, sandstone; Environment: tree, shrub and flower border.
- Physical Dimensions: 38’ X 8’ X 4’ sculpture dimension, 75’ X 50’ site dimension
Description: Also known as "District del Sol Gateway," this environmental site work was created in collaboration with the West Side Community and the Riverview Economic Development Association from the historic pier stones of the old Wabasha Street Bridge. It is an allegorical piece about the journey of immigration, and the bridges created by the new life that immigrants experienced. Assisted by sculptor Henry Valiukas.
"Allegory of the Immigrants"
- Date: 2001
- Location: Harriet Island Pedestrian Entry, Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul, MN
- Medium: Limestone panels carved in bas-relief.
- Physical Dim: 64" X 22" X 5", (panel dimensions)
Description: Eight narrative limestone bas relief panels. These "drawings" in stone are based on various themes of immigration and is in honor of the those who settled and worked on the West Side Flats and the experiences that they had. "Conservation" (second photo below) is based on the care given to their new land and homes by the immigrants. "Birth of Freedom" (third photo below) describes the deep emotions of the immigrant. The arduous task of immigrating is depicted by a central figure climbing up the sheer wall of rock, leaving behind and below the destitute figure of suffering.
Commissioned by the City of St. Paul.
"The Czech Immigrant Memorial"
- Date: 2004
- Location: North High Bridge Park, Smith Ave at Cliff St., St. Paul, MN.
- Medium: Granite, marble, mild steel antique gate, environmental assemblage of stone, gate and benches within larger environmental area.
- Physical Dimensions: 13' X 14' X 2' (gate and columns), 100' X 35' (site)
Description: The site specific fabrication of this art work was collaboratively developed utilizing the antique wrought iron gate taken from St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, a Czechoslovakian Immigrant Church. The work commemorates the many Czech Immigrants who lived and worked in the West End Neighborhood in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Finial carvings represent the Czech folk tale and Dvorak opera "Rusulka". Commissioned by the Fort Road Neighborhood Federation.
"La Reina de la Razas Errantes - Queen of the Wandering Races"
- Date: 2004
- Location: Parque Castillo; Robie, State and Cesar Chavez Sts., St. Paul, MN
- Medium: Recycled granite and limestone, recycled steel, plant and environmental materials.
- Physical Dimensions: Sculpture: 13' X 3', Site: 16' X 16'
Description: This sculpture is an assemblage of laminated stone that abstractly and metaphorically represents the figure of the immigrant woman, and her heroism in coming to her new land. The concept of "The Queen of the Wandering Races" came to mind from the poetry of Pablo Neruda. My hopes are that this art work will, over time, become an icon that represents the masses of immigrants and humanity that have moved through our community in the past, present and future. The project was commissioned by the Neighborhood Learning Community.
"The Ribs of Humanity"
The University of Minnesota West Bank Campus
Riverside and 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
Philosophically, Public Art, created for the people within a social context, is most rewarding for me. Those that see "The Ribs of Humanity" in a sense possess them. Their experience is what the work becomes for them, in their heart and minds; a kind of iconography that is different for every individual.
The aesthetics of a piece are what brings the work to emotional and spiritual life. I strive to create beauty that equates with elements of nature, or that deep sense of passion in one's heart, whether it be joyous or tragic. The viewer's understanding will be born out of these emotions.
Hopefully the viewer's understanding will help to facilitate a dialog, within and with others, about the issues illustrated by
"The Ribs of Humanity".
These conversations may include the value of all stakeholders affected by business customs; especially the workers, and the communities that are impacted by business practices.
With my sincerest thanks
to the best 'scalpellini's in the world:
Nick Blahna
Carey Netherton
