The visual design was inspired by metal filigree grates at the sculpture site. There are four pink blooming Crepe Myrtle trees set in a square with peacock feather design filigree metal grates at their bases. You can see the metal grates in the background of the pics.
The conceptual design themes invokes in this sculpture are: stillness, movement, serenity from beauty, and compassion. The feather benches appear to float and inspire us to move gracefully through our day.
Design Development – When coming up with a sculpture idea for the site, a pair of benches seemed ideal for this tranquil verdant spot. A bench would allow travelers to have a brief moment of serenity and stillness to commune with nature and beauty. A moment seated on the benches allows a nourishing pause in the bustle of daily bus travel.
Design Concepts – Stillness & Beauty. The mosaic design of a colorful tile mandala adds beauty to the bench and again invokes the idea of stillness in a visual form – mandalas are visual tools to focus meditation. The mosaic mandala uses handmade ceramic tile.
Design Concept – Compassion & Beauty. Peacocks are the national bird of India and are associated with beauty and compassion. Peacocks are associated with Kwan Yin, goddess of compassion in China, Tibet, and Japan.
I chose the placement of the benches so two people can sit opposite each other and both get up at the same time without bumping into each other and to allow easy access by wheelchair. The inner curves of the feather concrete benches face each other to encourage people to sit and converse companionably.
My peacock feather benches were part of the SolTrans Diversity Sculpture Project. Several other sculptures were cooperatively built and installed by a team of ethnically diverse artists. The artists who participated in this project were: Tom Arie Donch (lead artist), Kahalla Bandy-Pasibe, Melissa Berrios-Penny, Gene Buban, Lorenzo Crockett, Sophia Othman, and Liberty Pierson. In this video Tom Arie Donch, team lead artist, talks about the project.
Production assistance by Tom Arie Donch, Melissa Berrios-Penny, Gene Buban, Lorenzo Crockett, Liberty Pierson, Omar Othman, Siram, and Wes Horn.
Last but not least – credit to my Art Studio Dog, Jasmine, CMO – Chief Morale Officer – she brings joy to everything. Here modeling the use of the mosaic concrete benches as a playground feature.
