Susan E. Springer. Artist Statement. City of Ashland; Downtown Plaza Project

Transcription

1 Susan E. Springer Illahe Studios and Gallery 215 Fourth St. Ashland, OR Artist Statement City of Ashland; Downtown Plaza Project I envision a colorful ceramic frieze along the base of the new seat walls in the revitalized Downtown Plaza. The artwork would be made of interlocking curvilinear forms with bright mosaic elements breaking up the pattern. The historic Plaza has always functioned as a gathering place, encouraging movement of passers-by, inviting them to stop, meet friends and connect with others. With this installation, the artwork speaks to the flow of the creek, movement of people and passing time. By incorporating themes of movement, flow and color, we are invited in and the view is enlivened both from a distance and as moving through Ashland s Living Room. The location of the seat walls creates a unique challenge, with the long horizontal spaces which measure approximately 18 inches in height; the ceramic frieze would provide a glimpse of color as entering the space from any direction. Traditionally artwork is viewed at eye-level and the viewer is drawn to the color and composition while standing. In this case, the artwork would be viewed across the Plaza and must be very durable and able to withstand weather and heavy use, while providing color and texture. The new Plaza redesign includes abundant seating possibilities, inviting visitors and locals to take a moment, take a seat, to relax and watch the life of the community pass by. I imagine the Plaza redesign would create an atmosphere that is inviting and welcomes families and friends to linger, in a rich public space enlivened by the colorful ceramic frieze.

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5 Proposal City of Ashland Plaza seating walls Sue Springer Illahe Studios and Gallery Fourth St. Ashland, OR Material: High fired stoneware clay, hand formed and glazed Firing temperature: 2185 F; Cone 6 Surface: colorful high temperature glazes in matte to glossy surfaces Installation: The mosaic pieces would be adhered with Thin Set cement to the prepared cement surface. The ceramic mosaic elements used to create these seat walls would be designed and fabricated at Illahe Studios, and would be made from high fired stoneware clay. This clay has been developed to withstand wide variations in temperature and humidity in exterior locations. It has been specifically tested to withstand the freeze/thaw cycles particular to Ashland. Once installed, the ceramic work is extremely durable and permanent, resistant to graffiti and vandalism, with very low maintenance requirements; the ceramic portions would require no more than an occasional washing. All work is done according to code, and ceramic tile installation follows Tile Council of North America (TCNA) standards.

6 Ashland Plaza Project Design/artist fee Includes research, drawings submitted to client for approval $750 Tile: Includes all elements, including custom made tile pieces and mosaic elements, durable ceramic elements, glaze and firing Pricing per square foot $35.00 per sq ft Layout and mosaic setting, in studio on mesh $20.00 per sq ft Installation: includes installation materials, thin set, grout and sealer, all labor and installation tools $18.00 per sq ft Total per square foot $73.00 per sq ft Totals at $73.00 per sq ft 170 square feet $12, plus $750 Design artist fee

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9 Notes from Selection Panel Public Art Element/Plaza November 14, 2012 Judy Howard, Jamie Hutchinson, Ken Silverman, LouAnn David, Brandon Goldman Artist Sue Springer presented her concept and vision for the art and two different color palettes. David: likes the green/gold palette over the earth tone palette. Silverman: asked about the grout color and artist Springer replied she selects a very neutral color so that the artwork and the color pops Hutchinson: the green/gold palette grabs me, it is a relief from the neutral safe and conservative earth tone colors Goldman: green/gold palette emphasizes the artwork, the earth tone colors deemphasize the art and blends into the surrounding hardscape the point of art is for it to show Hutchinson: green/gold palette creates an oasis a place to congregate socially, a place for respite Howard: thinks the earth tone colors would work but both are doable. She also commented the green/gold palette also reflects earth colors General comments on the color palette not becoming dated because the glazes are muted versus bright Howard: the blue of the color renderings appear much brighter than the actual tiles glazes Springer explained that she does not have paints that actually match the glazes. Howard: supports the green/gold palette of the tile glazes - they are more muted than the paints colors in the renderings Hutchinson: earth tone colors are expected; green/gold is unexpected and reflects southern Oregon The panel asked Ms. Springer her preference. Springer responded she prefers the green/gold palette. Those were the colors she began with to reflect the creek, the sky, the colors of landscaping and the hills across the valley. Motion/Second: Goldman/David Approve green and gold palette with additional earth tone colors. Motion passes 5-0. Comment from Silverman: I totally trust Sue to get it right. I feel confident she will capture what we ve discussed.

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