Client: Tri-Met Transit

Overview

Conceived as a metaphorical “map” intertwining song lyrics from various ethnic groups (Polish, African-American, Irish) who had historically populated the Albina-Mississippi neighborhood surrounding the Tri-Met light rail station. The vines retain their separate character, while intertwining to form a strong vibrant whole. The dimensions are 4' x 6' x 1/4″, water jet cut from sheet bronze and inlaid into the concrete station platform.

Goals

"Intertwined" is one element of a larger commission my husband, sculptor Wayne Chabre received for the station. The title of his main piece is Second Growth, which celebrates the history and reinvention of a run-down and neglected industrial neighborhood that had once been full of the vitality and hope of immigrant communities. https://www.waynechabre.com/public-art In addition to "Second Growth" and "Intertwined" there are also on the station platform two bronze benches created by Wayne, entitled "Industrial Base." These benches incorporate images that show the industrial character of the neighborhood. All of the station platform artwork elements address the theme of neighborhood character and revitalization in different but harmonious ways.

Process

The first collaboration was between me and my husband, once my idea of using calligraphed song lyrics etched into the vine-like tree form was approved by the Tri-Met committee. He created a paper template of the vine and I did the lettering to fit into the branches. The water jet cutting of the metal was done by DAB (Dave's AquaCut and Building) in Walla Walla, after the lettering was etched into the bronze sheet, using digital files I created from my scanned lettering.

Additional Information

It was a great pleasure to collaborate with Wayne on an important project that helps give new presence and life to this neighborhood.