Overview
I created 29 symbols related to the area’s history and incorporated them into the fabric of the building. There are: two large aluminum glyphs on the copper roof; bronze glyphs embedded in the concrete pathways; corten steel glyphs embedded in the stone fascia of the building. The thermopane windows at the entrance have glyphs sandblasted on the interior surface of the glass. The slate floor has slate glyphs embedded in the stone. A porcelain-enamel-on-steel map of Colorado is set into an interior stone wall. Signage at the entrance has a large bronze plate with the Rider glyph cut into it.
Goals
The artwork references the history of the area. East of El Moro, in the canyons of the Purgatoire River are petroglyphs made by the native americans before the later settlers from the east and south arrived. The glyph set included many animal herds, bison, snake, beaver, bear feet, a spaniards head with helmet, a spiral, some abstract glyphs based on the Purgatoire glyphs, a miner, a covered wagon, a train, a pickup truck, and a pioneer woman with a pitchfork in one hand, a rifle in the other and a baby in her womb. These symbols were made in bronze, steel, glass, slate and aluminum.
Process
I worked with the architects early in the architectural process. We met with the client and outlined the purpose and functionality of the building. I proposed a variety of ways we could incorporate meaningful glyphs into the project. We wanted the art be an integral part of the architecture.
Additional Info
The aluminum, bronze, steel, and slate glyphs were all cut by water jet. The aluminum pronghorn and rider glyphs are 48″ x 48″. The window glyphs were sandblasted on the interior surface of the glass before fabrication of the windows.
Additional Info
The aluminum, bronze, steel, and slate glyphs were all cut by water jet. The aluminum pronghorn and rider glyphs are 48″ x 48″. The window glyphs were sandblasted on the interior surface of the glass before fabrication of the windows.