Transition Spaces Sculpture: `Flower Works` David Tonnesen David

Transition Spaces Sculpture: ‘Flower Works’
David Tonnesen
The transitions spaces create separation between the three main buildings and provide the residents a
space to stop, rest, interact and experience the landscape views. Large windows frame the sky and
landscape. A large organic sculpture outside the windows would attract interest outward and provide a
moment to reflect.
Plants and flowers come in nearly infinite varieties, shapes and colors, their gentle curves and lively
colors can please the eye, bring a smile to the face, and soothe the mind. Nature is my inspiration and I
chose a plant that fascinates me. The Allium is related to the onion, and it has a large spherical bloom
that stands out in the crowd of other plants. Allium species can be found in Colorado growing between the
rocks near Columbine plants.
The first time I saw an Allium plant in bloom, I was amazed at its large round flowering bloom. It looked
like the sparkle of fireworks frozen in time and I find that most people have the same reaction.
I propose an exterior sculpture I
hope the residents will find
interesting and contemplative both
grand and light hearted, uplifting and
soothing. My hope is to encourage
dialog between the residents as they
voice their impressions of the
sculptures. Some will see it as large
flowers, dandelions or Fourth of July
fireworks.
The proposed sculpture will be a
composition of three abstracted
Allium blooms each higher than the
other with stems that curve in a life
like manner. The spherical blooms
will vary in diameter from 3.5’ to 6’.
The larger than life scale of the
blooms will add to the illusion of
fireworks in full display.
The stems ‘grow’ out of the rust oxidized mounds of ‘soil’. The brushed stainless steel stems will look like
the trails of the fireworks as they reach their zenith. The tallest flower will be about 18 feet tall and the
smallest about 8 feet tall. A long curving leaf adds reference to flora and also provides triangulated
structure for the tall stem. The stems will be brushed stainless steel schedule 40 pipe varying in
diameters from 2.5” to 3.5” ID.
At the top of each stem is a polished sphere from which
emanate many long filaments punctuated by bright bursting
buds or sparks (mock-up left). Defining the outside of the
sphere’s volume, the six-point star buds of hammered
stainless steel will create a transparent sphere of color and
will sparkle as one moves by them. The first transition space
sculpture will have buds that are open and some buds about
to open. The second transition space sculpture will be a
mirrored composition of first transition space and have its
buds in full proud display. The buds will be heat treated to
produce interference colors ranging from yellow to vibrant
violet, the permanent coloration is a process found in nature
in mother of pearl and beetle wings. Breezes will gently
pinwheel some of the blossoms adding a soothing life-like
feeling.
David Tonnesen • 1 Fitchburg Street • Somerville, MA • 02143 • 617.666.9883
www.davidtonnesen.com
Transition Spaces Sculpture: ‘Flower Works’
David Tonnesen
The sculptures can be viewed from inside the transition
corridors via the 6-foot long window and a portion of the
tallest bloom can be seen against the sky through the
window 10-feet above the floor in the transition room
from two vantage points. One, in the far corner and the
other from the approaching corridor opposite the high
window so persons approaching see a hint of what is to
come. The sculptures will also be visible from the
gardens.
David Tonnesen • 1 Fitchburg Street • Somerville, MA • 02143 • 617.666.9883
www.davidtonnesen.com