What a delightful surprise to come upon two fabulous pieces of public art on the corner of Judicial Drive and Golden Haven drives situated at the La Jolla Crossroads community. The two large bronze sculptures command the attention and curiosity of those passing by ” enough so that curiosity was whetted by contacting La Jolla Crossroads.
Art consultant Betsy Lane has worked closely with the developer, Stuart Posnock, who said ” when this garden community was only a speck on the drawing board ” that “public art would be a part of the environment.”
His sensitivity to the importance of aesthetic in people’s lives has been translated into stunning gardens, fountains and of course outdoor sculptures. The sculptures are by well-known and highly respected artisans.
This small community is fortunate to have them in their own back yards, front yards and courtyards.
The major curvilinear bronze facing the streets is by Bill Barrett, who constructed the bronze pieces separately and then welded them together. The entire sculpture was installed on a concrete platform. Its curves and twisted bronze give the heavy piece an aura of balance in form and content. The patina is soft as light changes reflect different metallic tones on edges and sides. Barrett’s sculptures are located in Bulgaria and Tokyo, among other museums, sculptural gardens and university campuses throughout the United States.
Across the street, “Quest II” is a linear, spatial piece, more than 16 feet tall. Bruce Beasley cast this amazing orangey bronze with an elongated base reaching to the tree tops, anchoring a U-shaped tumbled arm of bronze, with a triangular leg sitting on a smaller rectangular block. The sculpture’s base has risers of different elevations that give it a friendly pedestrian accessibility. Scratched striations impart a wood texture to the metal. Beasley’s sculptures also are located throughout gardens, universities and museums in the U.S. and Europe.
Inside a courtyard stands Brandon Zebold’s punctuated filigree four-dimensional cutout design balanced on a bronze pencil-thin base. Upon first look at the flame-cut piece, it appears to be a diamond-shaped cutout, but on closer inspection, the full impact of the delicate piece is noted. The Washington state influence of the beautiful conifers is evident in Zebold’s artistry. Zebold has donated his pieces to several charity auctions in the Northwest and his sculptures are highly sought after.
Whimsy comes into play into another courtyard. Lisa Demetrios, a graduate of Yale University who resides in Petaluma, has fashioned two 10-foot-tall pieces standing together called “Asparagus People.” As the name implies, the stalks of bronze have been hacked and angled to resemble asparagus spears. The golden bronze pieces are a complementary addition to the five slender palms in the background.
The art of engineer-cum-sculptural artist Robert Holmes reflects the influence of Brancusi, Rodin, Moore and Lachaise. The object situated in La Jolla is “Mister G.” It is a life-size piece balanced on a narrow base, expanding at the waist with chest resting on a silver rectangle. The small head is situated over the opening in the body, letting the air of soul and freedom breathe through the sculpture.
A delightful aluminum piece called “Watusi” is a creation of circles balanced on an elongated, sleek curve. Malibu artist Brad Howe made this playful piece that is situated near the pool area and can be viewed by all units surrounding the courtyard.
San Diego artist Jeffrey Laudenslager created a tall, slender, kinetic piece incorporating circular edges around a square cutout. Two pieces of the circle edges are delicately balanced on a bearing and with the smallest whiff of breeze, the pieces gently move and come together.
The collection is a virtual outdoor museum and the art pieces have been carefully selected and positioned for the permanent exhibit.
To view these outstanding pieces of outdoor art, contact Carol at La Jolla Crossroads, (858) 450-0455.