'Concept to Creation'

Proposed Artworks for the RCA

Kelowna, BC Canada

These are our initial ideas for a sculptural commission for the Rotary Centre for the Arts. The RCA is in Kelowna, Canada, and was by designed by Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects. Our basic concept is that all creativity starts with a thought which then leads to action/creation. The proposal comprises an assemblage of various elements that combine together to present a dramatic gateway into the site.

Sited to take full advantage of the designated space at the south end of the new atrium, three tall, tapering, timber Obelisks support and are linked by a graceful Arc of stainless steel tube. Two of the Obelisks, also support cast bronze elements, namely a large decorated Thinking Head and Acrobat, which represent the central concept of ‘creative thought’ leading to the ‘creative act’. The ensemble of sculptural elements occupy and ‘perform’ in the raised space.

There are 6 design pictures to view: click on a thumbnail to enlarge it or on the arrows to move through the six thumbnails.

The stainless steel Arc could be read as a visual metaphor for the smooth flow from conception to execution of an artwork or performance. It also performs a visual function by forming an ‘announcing’ archway for people approaching from the Artwalk to the south, and from the Arts Common to the west. The long curved profile of the Arc relates also to the curved roof of the Atrium building.

The Thinking Head would be 2’9” high, hollow cast bronze patinated red/gold, and fixed on top of a ten metre high timber obelisk. This head wears a head-dress of cut-out figures, performing - dancing, singing as though they are the creative thoughts becoming tangible. Depending on the visitor’s approach the head would be seen in profile from the South or front face on when viewed from the ‘Arts Common’ to the West.

A 13’ high timber obelisk, on the west edge of the designated space provides a platform for the 4’ high cast bronze Acrobat, patinated red/brown. This figure would be ‘in the round’, and represents the action that the thought has lead to. From the south, the Head is seen in profile and the Acrobat from the front, and from the west the Acrobat is in profile and the Head full face.

We noted from the architect’s drawings and artists’ concept illustrations that timber figured prominently throughout the site, so our proposed use of heavy sawn timber for the Obelisks compliments this. The Obelisks would each have low relief carving on the lower sections of their four faces, and would depict imagery related to the various art forms happening in the RCA. This element of the job, along with the figures within the head dress of the Thinking Head, we have not specified as we would hope to research the publicity material etc. for the different activities within the Centre when we are in Kelowna, and use this as the basis of this part of the design.

Extending in a line from the Thinking Head Obelisk towards the Atrium south entrance we propose three cube-like Podiums, 2 feet in height, made from timber or local limestone or marble. Spaced 3 - 5 feet apart, the top surface of each would bear pairs of carved shoe prints, with each pair of different shoe prints representing different arts. These blocks would become a busking area, where the performers could stand on the mini podiums, place their feet on the prints, and become living sculptures or sing, play musical instruments, perform mime, declaim poetry, stage a play or even a dance! The restriction of being perched on a podium would become part of the challenge - often having a framework is a spur to creativity.