Edmonton Valley Zoo, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 2014

With forms inspired by animals living in the Edmonton Valley Zoo and like an island grove of trees, the twelve vertical torqueing sculptures of Grove of Light punctuate the horizontal landscape and create a landmark visible from multiple vantages both inside and outside the zoo. The stainless steel stalks are 8” wide and vary in height between 18-22’. They taper and bend as they rise, creating multiple facets oriented differently to the sky and ground. A variety of finishes produce different levels of luminance to catch, absorb, refract, and reflect light and the surrounding environment. Wind can move the thin tops of the stalks to create shimmering light effects. Spaced for an immersive and interactive close-up experience, they can also be moved by hand, transferring a person’s energy into the artwork. The sculpture connects people to the unique sense of place and natural environment in real time by revealing and responding to the dynamic changes of the northerly Edmonton environment.

Grove of Light was commissioned by the Edmonton Arts Council and fabricated by Heavy.