Client: Regional Arts Culture Council, Portland, OR

Overview

“You are Here” pays homage to the historic stadium, local Goose Hollow neighborhood and honors the chronology of culture, commerce and sports activities. Embedded into the tree rings is a collection of partially “unearthed” artifacts -each a symbol that references a particular historical moment. The items were collected in Portland. The sculpture is a time capsule that commemorates the past, glorifies the present and celebrates achievement.

Goals

The sculpture was integrated into the Key Bank Plaza next to the Timbers Team Store. The location influenced the design of the artwork both in form and content. Basalt boulders and planters are incorporated into the base and over time a green-wall of native ivy will create a lush natural backdrop for the sculpture.

Process

In 2012 I completed "You are Here" a monumental iconic bronze sculpture for a plaza at the entrance to the newly renovated Jeld-Wen Stadium in Portland Oregon. The stadium is home to the Portland Timbers -a pro soccer team.

In 2010 I attended a Timbers game where I witnessed the teams mascot Timber Joey rev up his chainsaw and cut through a log round at midfield after the team had scored a goal. I learned that after each scored goal Timber Joey presents the cut log round to the team member as a medallion. Inspired by this ritual I asked that he provide me with a log round that was enlarged into the 10’x10’x3’ bronze sculpture.