Open Minded - Ashland, OR
N 42° 11.115 W 122° 40.917
10T E 526263 N 4670393
This silhouette sculpture resides in front of Fire Station #2 on the corner of Sherwood and Ashland Streets.
Waymark Code: WMMF0Y
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 09/10/2014
Views: 3
Located in front of the recently rebuilt Fire Station #2 is a silhouette sculpture of both a man and woman's face. I located a PDF
document that describes this work by the artist in anticipation of soon-to-be-built fire station that was completed in February of 2013. It reads:
"Open Minded"
With the desire of reflecting the community values and celebrating Ashland's identity what better could be said then the amazing ability of the community of Ashland to be open-minded! Using some of the drama of the local theaters, the inner line shows a female silhouette and the outer line shows a male silhouette both with an open mind. Although it is not directly designed around a fire station or a statement about firemen, this sculpture would certainly become a signature work of art for the city of Ashland.
The sculpture stands about 10 feet tall and had a budget of $15,000. The artist goes on to say the following about this piece:
Reading about the new plans for the artwork for the Fire station #2 I was intrigued by first a sculpture in Ashland (which I love) and the opportunity of placing a work of art to reflect the community values of the town. I feel many of my works with their connection to people of all ages are a great fit for any community that appreciates that their public art can reflect the values of their town. With that in mind I had many immediate ideas of how I could produce a work of art that speaks to all who view it, young & old and can reflect the values of Ashland and celebrate it’s heritage.
My approach is to design a sculpture that is inviting and welcomes every visitor to station
#2 with a big smile. A unique sculpture that appeals to people of all ages and begs them to come and see the art, interact with it, travel around it and experience the sculpture. On the proposal CD I have enclosed, you will see a few different concepts that I have for your consideration. These are ideas that I feel would reflect your community values and fulfill the artistic experience you are looking for. As you look over these options please know that any of them can be changed or adjusted as you see necessary to assure that you get the artwork that you feel would best fit the desire of the committee.
My desire for my works is that they are not only to be looked at or admired but are useful objects that can instigate an art experience. I attempt to design and fabricate works that are easily understood and do not need a long description to understand them. Sculptures that are inviting, exciting and provide great memories while continuing to leave smiles on the faces of all who come in contact with them.
A quick bio on the artist:
Rench, C.J. Born in Elgin IL. in 1967. Self taught industrial engineer and product designer in the sporting goods industry, C.J. designed technical products and was awarded multiple patents for his innovative products. He began, designing, sculpting and fabricating metal sculpture full-time in 2005, working mainly with large-scale abstract design that reveals his dimensionality. His work, primarily in stainless and mild steel is very diverse ranging from small tabletop hand- painted sculpture to monumental public installations. His extensive international travels as a result of his design work and entrepreneurial spirit have had a meaningful impact on his art. He has participated in various public exhibitions and has his sculptured work at several galleries in the North West. His works include many large- scale commission sculptures for public and personal collectors throughout the Pacific Northwest.