Twelve

When I was trying to develop an idea for a temporary piece for a large open sandy site in Cambridge, I happened to look out my window and notice a row of Jersey barriers—rather ugly, but extremely efficient in design. Their narrow tops and thick bases use minimal material while providing great strength.

I designed “Twelve” around this form. Instead of concrete, I fabricated the structures in steel, adding graceful curves, wood seating, and poles for Light Forms overhead. It became the first sculpture I created that incorporated its own seating.

My son Christopher had been experimenting with Japanese patinas and developed several beautiful colors for the surfaces. Before applying them, we textured the steel by hand, taking turns working on the surfaces.

Christopher also helped install the sculpture at its temporary site in Cambridge and later at its permanent location at the Hampton Inn in Lewiston, along with a crew of friends.