On the Shoulders of Legends

Corten steel, stainless steel. 2020. Client: The City of Jacksonville, FL

On the Shoulders of Legends symbolizes how community members depend on one another for support as they face future challenges. The sculpture is designed in the form of a tower of human figures each standing upon the shoulders of the legendary and heroic men and women that preceded them. 

The first and primary level is the strong family unit, second is the handshake of friends, the third level represents community members joyfully dancing. Next comes a tribute to the athletes, on the top level is a single triumphant figure holding a stylized eternal flame. In  the center of the sculpture is a heart which represents peace and love. The stainless steel heart is kinetic and rotates easily in the wind on its vertical axis.

The stylized figures are made of 3/8 inch thick corten steel plates intersecting in the  center perpendicular to one another in a figure x pattern. This geometry gives the sculpture structural stability as well as providing the viewer a changing perspective as they drive or walk around the circular driveway that surrounds the artwork.

The corten steel that composes the sculpture will be precisely cut out of 3/8” thick plate using computer controlled water jet cutting technology, yielding clean, crisp edges and accurate shapes. The finished sculpture will not require paint, lacquer or any type of protective coating. It will be incredibly durable and weatherproof, impervious to wind, moisture and heat.