Fiddlehead Bench

Description:

This commission came about as a result of my winning a Percent for Art competition at the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 2005. This “Fiddleheads Bench” is 9 1/2′ tall and is the first of an edition of 3. It is placed in the lobby of the new Gentile Hall Physical Education Center. Here are some of my thoughts on the design from my original proposal:

“My choice of this subject reflects my feelings about the importance of all living things and their interdependence. The changing of scale from small to large gives them a presence and importance that may be missed at their normal size. Their graceful, timeless beauty can be better observed at this size, as well. I believe this sculpture works well as a public art piece on many levels. Aside from their function as a natural symbol for the northern woodlands, the arrangement and size of the fiddleheads have a decidedly human quality and can be seen as a metaphor for family and community. The university family, as well as the wider community of Presque Isle will all be growing and working together in this new space. The sculpture will serve as a welcoming presence and the built in seating will draw people together from the entire community of students, faculty, staff and general public who will use these facilities. The capturing of the fiddleheads as they are still growing and unfolding suggests the potential for growth in all of us and their arrangement in such close proximity reflects the importance of mutual support and teamwork.”

Date: 2006

Medium: Bronze, Granite.

Location: University of Maine at Presque Isle.

Directions: Take the Maine Turnpike to Houlton. Go North on Route 1 about 40 miles to Presque Isle. Take second entrance to the University on left to Gentile Hall.