Public Art commissioned by Tucson Pima Arts Council for The Tucson Department of Transportation.

 

Sculptural design where the sky meets the land.

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Messenger’ depicts a raven. In mythological lore, ravens symbolize many things: tricksters, creators, stealing the light and referencing the Roman period as Messengers to and from the Gods. The raven form also reflects the numerous flocks found in the surrounding area.
 

Messenger is constructed using steel-beams as support and site salvaged concrete that was cut, drilled, chiseled, feather and wedged into ‘Messenger’ which stands approximately 14’ tall with a 19’ wing span. The sculpture weighs approximately 30,000 pounds and has a volume of 150 cubic feet of concrete that did NOT end up in the land fill.
 

Responsibilities:

Artist, Fabrication & Construction Supervisor

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Subcontractors: Solid Rock Solutions, CAID Industries, Harris Engineering Services, Carson Concrete.
 

Budget: $50,760.
 

‘Messenger’ is dedicated to wilderness areas. Placed onto the I-Beams supporting the wings, are laser cut metal words excerpted from the poem ‘WILD MERCY’ by Terry Tempest Williams. The excerpts read:
 

“The eyes of the future are looking back at us…
To protect what is wild is to protect what is gentle.
We have it within our power…To create merciful acts.”

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