|
Public
Art
Breeze
After a slow
start, a new public art work was recently installed in Antioch.
California artist,
Robert Ellison, has completed the
installation of his artwork, Breeze, located at the
intersection of Dallas Ranch and Rock Springs. Breeze is
a sculptural landmark that is easily seen by both vehicular
traffic and by residents and students who travel the
neighborhood.
Funding for this
public artwork came from developer fees collected in the Lone Tree
Way Assessment District in 2003-04. Request for proposals and public
input occurred in 2006-07, with the artist selection and contract
signed in 2009. This project had no impact to the city’s general
fund.
As Antioch is
described as “Gateway to the Delta,” the artist designed a general
gateway format, adopted to illustrate this metaphor, titled
Breeze. The general format of the work is that of two columns
and a connecting archway. The result is a figurative and actual
classical gateway. While the origins of this format are classical,
the finished sculpture focuses on the effects of a natural breeze on
the various elements. The supporting columns, which are made up of
several smaller pipes, are gently bowed and leaning as if acted upon
by the forces of nature. The column bases are tipped and partially
lifted from the ground as if influenced by the bowed columns. At the
top of the sculpture the arched and perforated wedge that serves as
the lenti l also provides origin for “streamers” that visually
demonstrate the impact of the breeze, designed to intrigue people of
all ages, as well as visitors and residents from surrounding
neighborhoods. In its entirety, it is whimsical yet classical,
positive and fun.
The carbon steel
surface was ground smooth, sandblasted to white metal, primed with
epoxy and color coated with catalyzed urethane. The surface
treatment is the same coating used on offshore oil rigs and tankers,
and is colorful, smooth and inviting to the touch. It prevents
rust, does not corrode, defies scratches and chips, and is generally
considered to be “maintenance free”. Graffiti can be removed with
lacquer thinner.
Robert Ellison’s
art experience spans over three decades and includes many public and
corporate, large scale, permanently sited commissions located from
Providence, Rhode Island to Santa Rosa, California to Anchorage,
Alaska
Artist Robert
Ellison
Click here to view Breeze installation photos
Ellison creates large steel sculptures
while battling ALS |
