Public Art Works

“If It Were Easy Everyone Would Be Doing It”

I had to tell myself this for several years when I first started building public art work. Because of the knowledge and experience I have gained through the many different project designs that I have completed the investment in my art is solid If an ‘artist’ or builder, doesn’t know the craft thoroughly in many cases the investment is worthless upon completion.

In 2005, one of the largest stone masonry companies in northern Nevada asked me to design and build the Governor’s Mansion 2000 Restoration Monument project. I slid a 12 inch thick, 6 foot tall, 3 foot wide granite slab into a granite boulder. The combination is designed to resemble the shape of the State of Nevada. On the face is a bronze plaque thanking all those most responsible for the restoration of the mansion in 2000. The Nevada Governor, Kenny Guinn and First Lady Dema Guinn, appreciated it so much they requested a re-cast to install a new plaque with their names added as well as other major benefactors.

Site Specific

Stone Henge and Easter Island are an inspiration to the power and longevity of old rock. This barren site was a perfect stage to leave a monumental art piece. Thus, I copied native petroglyphs onto the large boulder. Summit Ridge park is a tribute to Native Americans. From atop a ridge overlooking the Truckee Meadows and the city of Reno-I placed a 10 foot tall giant boulder.

I also worked with one of the City’s well known local historians, Professor James Hulse, on the narrative plaque. The wording of the plaque was educational and respectful in theme. We wanted to leave the viewer with a feeling that we all owe respect to the native Paiute and Washoe tribes who inhabited, hunted and gathered in the valleys below, long before the Europeans arrived in this region.