Freedom to Read
Concept
This sculpture, standing at 9 ft tall and 4 ft wide, represents two pages of an open book, crafted from white painted steel. The pages are adorned with words and phrases that have been meticulously cut out, allowing light to filter through and project captivating shadows into the surroundings. Inspired by the modern, perforated facade of a library, this piece embraces a concept of openness, aiming to create a welcoming and engaging experience for the public.
The sculpture's gentle curvature is designed to complement the flow of pedestrian traffic, while its narrower base enhances the sense of perspective. Adding a layer of community involvement, the phrases showcased on the sculpture are selected from various books chosen by members of the public. For optimal readability, the font size of the letters will gradually increase towards the top. Meticulous attention is paid to the font size, type, and placement of the words to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious composition.
Fabrication
The fabrication process begins with the creation of a digital design, which guides the laser cutting of the letters from a steel sheet. Subsequently, the sculpture is heated and carefully bent to achieve its graceful curved form. To enhance structural integrity and enable the use of a thinner steel sheet (approximately ¼” thick), steel tubing with a diameter between 1-1/4” and 1-1/2” is welded to the sides. The round tubing not only provides a smooth and safe finish but also seamlessly integrates with the sculpture's clean, modern aesthetic.
Installation
Anchoring the sculpture securely, the base is welded to a steel connection plate, which is then bolted to the existing concrete floor. Expansion bolts or chemical anchoring can be employed to ensure a robust connection. Thoughtfully designed, an empty space at the bottom of the sculpture prevents the accumulation of trash or the concealment of illegal substances. An opening measuring between 6 and 12 inches high at the base facilitates easy cleaning, while the separation of the two “pages” further mitigates safety concerns and trash buildup.
Strategically positioned amongst the SoMA stones, the sculpture will provide a welcome shaded area and project words into the ground, inviting visitors to pause and engage with literary excerpts while admiring the artwork. Its curved form, set at a right angle, adds a dynamic element to the library entrance, creating a sense of visual interest. The sculpture's placement ensures its visibility from both Central Ave SE and 50th St. SE, transforming it into a captivating focal point. Seating will be thoughtfully provided around the sculpture, offering visitors a place to relax and contemplate the interplay of art and literature.
