Steel and Grace. The Art of Building 'Beauty'

Art. Sculptures. Monuments. Exhibitions. Ubiquitous in nature and yet tend to have a polarizing effect on the public. You either love it or ask yourself "what is this?" or "why?"

Art, in all forms, has a different impact on each of us. Through my travels I approach each new 'sighting' as an opportunity to learn about the area, culture, and people. I must also admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for sculptures, funky or otherwise, due to my unique introduction into Structural Engineering.

While the majority of young engineers 'cut their teeth' on building design, I was extremely fortunate to stumble into a niche market, sculpture and public art. This 'out of the box' thinking provided an amazing experience working with local and global artists, collaborating on projects to pair stability with true artistic beauty. Mind you, it's no small feat to work closely with an artist; understanding their true objective and designing a structure that not only supports their vision but embodies what truly makes each piece flourish.

In an effort to perhaps offer you a different perspective when it comes to public art, I wanted to share my own projects. Before I do, I would be remiss to not mention my mentor, Mr. Charles Keyes. The man who led me to this beautifully unique opportunity, offering me an engineering experience I will cherish forever.

I hope you enjoy!

(Engineering Firm of Record: Martin/Martin Lakewood, Colorado (HQ) | Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers (martinmartin.com))

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Artist: David Griggs

“Potenza” | Xcel Energy Center | Denver, CO

Links: Potenza – Energy Center Headquarters – David Griggs – Art Soup

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Artist: Dennis Oppenheim

"Light Chamber" | Denver, CO

Links: https://galvanizeit.org/project-gallery/light-chamber-at-the-denver-judicial-center1 / https://denverpublicart.org/public-arts/light-chamber/

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Artist: Donald Lipski

“Psyche” (butterfly) | Auraria Science Building | Denver, CO

Links: https://publicartservices.com/psyche-by-donald-l / http://www.donaldlipski.net/psyche

“Jackson” (Bus) | Reno, NV

Links: https://publicartservices.com/jackson-by-donald-lipski / http://www.donaldlipski.net/jackson

“The Doors” | Scottsdale, AZ

Links: Donald Lipski, The Doors — PUBLIC ART SERVICES / The Doors — Donald Lipski

“The Tent” | Indy 500 Festival | Indianapolis, IN

Links: https://publicartservices.com/the-tent-by-donald-lipski

“The Ziz” | Cleveland Indians Ballpark | Goodyear, AZ

Links: Donald Lipski, The Ziz — PUBLIC ART SERVICES / http://www.donaldlipski.net/ziz

“Tubbs” | Houston, TX Five Design (NOTE: this sculpture was never built, but I always found it very interesting)

Links: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/theater/article/A-toast-to-Donald-Lipski-s-sculpting-career-6365414.php

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Artist: Jonathan Borofsky

“Hammering Man” | Lillestrom, Norway

Links: https://www.ravlling.com/experiences/norway/eastern-norway/culture/the-hammering-man

“Human Structures” | Bad Homburg, Germany

Links: https://www.borofsky.com/index.php?album=hsbadhomburg

“Walking to the Sky” | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA

Links: https://www.publicartfund.org/exhibitions/view/walking-to-the-sky/ / https://www.cmu.edu/cmtoday/issues/june-2006-issue/news-flash/jonathan-borofsky-s-walking-to-the-sky-comes-to-campus/

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Artist: Keysook Geum

“Dreams of Utopia” | Royal Carribbean Allure of the Seas

Links: https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/819480-allure-of-the-seas-the-world-s-newest-megaship

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Artist: Larry Kirkland

“Terre Soleil Ciel” | Royal Caribbean Splendor of the Seas

Links: Archive — Larry Kirkland

“Kylix” | Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas

Links: Independence of the Seas Photologue - Deck Five (shipcafe.net)

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Artist: Ralph Helmick

“Convergence”, Denver Justice Center | Denver, CO

Links: https://publicartarchive.org/art/Convergence/501ebd60 / Denver Convergence - Denver Public Art