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Working with the architects on the project, the artwork commission was refined. The art panels would have to perform many duties – besides providing a screen to each floor’s nurse work area, allowing light to beyond, it would also need to block the viewing of sensitive papers and office equipment, as well as being a striking sculpture that would define the entry of each floor.
Design Concept
The initial concept design for the artwork at each floor’s nurse stations.
Preliminary artwork rendering layout. The inspiration was to bring a contemplative sense of nature into the hospital.
We wanted to bring the natural word into the medical center. Our goal was to give the patients and caregivers a place that felt restful – a place of healing and renewal. Our inspiration for the artwork was to have the feel of swirling masses of delicate oak, poplar, tulip, ginko and maple leaves in an autumn breeze. Each leaf is detailed, including curved stems and crisp leaf veins. The different level of the hospital would have unique swirling leaf patterns, allowing for differentiation and orientation.
One of the cast float glass panels inside the kiln.
Studio artist Nicole Puzan cleans and preps the cooled and annealed glass panel.
Typical nurse station cast artglass panel.
Typical nurse station reverse.
Detail of cast glass leaf pattern.
Front view of artwork.
View of panels showing leaf detailing.
The Washington Glass Studio artglass project team: Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Erwin Timmers and Nicole Puzan and Robert Kincheloe.
Cast Glass as Public Artwork – Photos of the Case Study
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unless noted, all photos by Anything Photographic
The public artwork just completed by the Washington Glass Studio and Alonzo Davis for Prince George’s County Circuit Court was just photographed by Anything Photographic. The sculpture is made using the original bell tower cupola salvaged from the disastrous fire that destroyed the courthouse in 2004. The structure and copper dome were cleaned and made good, and modified to accommodate artwork elements that include cast recycled glass formed into images of the community and the legal system, sandcarved panels with the County Seals for each of the Counties served by the Circuit Court, and a neon bell symbolizing the original bell that would toll each day at 9.30 am when the Court was in session.
Titled “Rebirth and Renewal”, the artwork is testament to a proud community and its ability to overcome adversity.
Artwork neon lit at night : photo by Aisha Jordan