This stainless steel kinetic abstract is found on the campus of CSU and honors Sit Isaac Newton.
The engraving on the bench reads:
"If I have been able to see farther than others, it was because I stood on the shoulders of giants." - Sir Isaac Newton
Research has found that there are many variations of the above quote and that it had it s roots in prior work (which is not uncommon). "The best-known use of this phrase was by Isaac Newton in a letter to his rival Robert Hooke, in 1676:
"What Descartes did was a good step. You have added much several ways, and especially in taking the colours of thin plates into philosophical consideration. If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."
Newton didn't originate it though. The 12th century theologian and author John of Salisbury used a version of the phrase in a treatise on logic called Metalogicon, written in Latin in 1159. Translations of this difficult book are quite variable but the gist of what Salisbury said is:
"We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things that are more distant, than they did, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raise us up, and by their great stature add to ours."
The phrase may even pre-date John of Salisbury, who was known to have adapted and refined the work of others." (from (
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The plaque reads:
"NEWTON'S CORNER"
September 2002
Considering the interdisciplinary nature of sciences on campus,
"Newton's Corner" celebrates Sir Isaac Newton's observation on time,
space, and motion, from planetary movement to the law of gravity.
Howard and Kathleen Meehan, Santa Fe, NM [sculptors]
Commissioned for Colorado State University and the
citizens of Colorado under the State Public Art Program,
administered by the Colorado Council on the Arts.
A slide show of the piece may be found at (
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Howard Meehan's biography states, "We have completed over 35 mixed media public art projects throughout the United States. These public art projects can be found in many major cities. They reflect our interest in creating public art spaces that the community can relate to, identify with, and communicate the spirit of a place.
Public Art projects of an architectural scale require an artist who can create strong conceptual images and a visionary plan for any public space. We can discuss broad issues and ideas with planners, architects, contractors, and administrators who are part of this development process. We are multi-media artists comfortable designing public art projects in any medium: recycle materials, concrete, ceramic, stone, metal, wood, glass, and earthworks. We’ve created public art works with fire, water, fog and kinetic effects, and are currently working with projects including LED programmed lighting that creates audio and visual effects. Knowledge about materials, processes, and fabrication processes allows us create a vocabulary of geometric forms and innovative use of nature, light, wind, water and sun to public places. We create art that invigorates social, cultural, historical and environmental issues. Public art can also be iconographic, engage the viewer and bring vitality to a community." (from (
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From Kathleen's website we learn, "Kathleen believes public art is a public statement made with public money, so the community or site user should feel a sense of ownership and pride. When possible, they should be involved in the design process." (from (
visit link) ). The piece is described as "The ball moves gently in the wind, always returning to neutral, alluding to Isaac Newton's Theory of Gravity." (from (
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