Dobson & Dault

Lift

We created life-size bronze and resin sculptures of a flock of 22 Canadian Geese for the Mat-Su Youth Facility. We incorporated the symbolic element of the “V” formation and the advantage of “wingtip vortex” providing “lifting energy” for the others in the group. This sculpture spoke to the facility’s mission of promoting a sense of responsibility for each individual and their role in the community.

Award Category
1% For Public Art Award
Commission Year
2004
Client
Mat-Su Youth Facility

In 2004 we created an artwork for the Department of Health and Social Services Division of Juvenile Justice.  Our Mat-Su Youth Facility artwork titled “LIFT” was composed of two parts. One part was located in the Front lobby as you enter the facility.  The other part was located on the high walls with geese and their wingtip vortex encircling the Day Room.  The theme of Canada Geese was used to help describe the natural phenomenon when geese migrate in flocks.

This natural phenomenon known as the “wingtip vortex” provides lifting power for the rest of the flock.  We worked closely with the art committee and especially the Director of the facility to come up with a visual interpretation of the mission of the facility.  On our initial tour of the facility, we were struck by the amount of inspirational messages for the youths posted on the walls.  There was an underlying theme that the Director wanted to express such as being part of a group, being part of a community and understanding one’s role in that community.

The theme of the flock of geese using the wingtip vortex expresses that theme of community perfectly. Each goose was hand sculpted separately in plasticene clay.  A rubber mold was made of the clay goose and after the clay was removed a mixture of bronze and resin was poured into the mold. The wingtip vortex was created out of plaster and attached to the wall behind each goose.

The geese in the dayroom appear to be flying around the Day Room and are headed toward the windows in the corner of the room.  If you look out the windows you may see some flocks of Canada Geese migrating!