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Description:
The work consists of three, four-pointed panels of knitted,
fire-retardant polyethylene fabric, which interlock and create one
tapered, sculptural canopy leading to the Senior Center doorway. The
highest point of the canopy begins at the curb and raises 18 feet.
The sculptural fabric, which gradually diminishes in height as it
extends towards the entrance, travels more than 30 yards and dips
below the bordering trees. The fabric of the canopy blocks 80
percent of ultra violet rays and can lower the temperature by 10 to
20 percent.
Funding:
This project was funded through City of Tempe Capital Improvement
Project Percent for Art funds.
Artist biography:
Geoffrey
Bruce was born in Boston. He received a BFA in Industrial Design
from the Rhode Island School of Design and has attended Instituto de
Allende in San Miguel, Mexico, and Scottsdale Community College.
Bruce has extensive experience with solving challenging shade
problems for residential and commercial clients. He had the
opportunity to work with renowned tension structure artist, Bill
Moss, translating Moss’s concepts into reality and supervising the
manufacture and installation of many pieces.
Artist statement:
Soft,
curved lines of poles and canopies are purposeful counterpoint to
the boldly expressive geometry of the buildings. Nearest the
entrance, participants are in closest proximity to the work…space
becomes more intimate and details more tangible. The sun will cause
abstract patterns to appear on surrounding surfaces, and filtered
light will be soothing. When breezes play within the sculpture, the
fabric planes will undulate silently, gently. Shadow graphics will
dance to nature’s rhythms. And overlapping spaces where panels
adjoin will offer clear views of the sky, while still providing
requisite shade. The sculpture is intended to celebrate the act of
arriving and departing the center. It presents itself as a
punctuating statement to the already spatially rich, visually
expressive environment. |
