Trace
> Commissioned for the Minnesota Department of Revenue through the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places Program
Located at 760 E. Miners Drive, Ely, Minnesota
The central themes of Trace — transformation, containment and history — are inspired by Miners Lake, once an iron ore mine that now represents the region's changing view toward nature as a valued resource. Combining abstract and representational images, it is intended to encourage individual response and interpretation.
The 18-foot sculpture faces Miners Lake and is visible from Tresona Trail. It is made of weathering steel, a material that develops a protective layer of oxidation through exposure to the elements. Weathering steel is about 98 percent iron, alloyed with carbon for strength and other elements including copper, chromium and manganese for the protective weathering. The sculpture has weathered to a rich red brown that references the Iron Range history of the region.
The visual impressions of Trace are of ascension, balance and flatness. Fluid lines flow upwards, originating from a ground-level piece of iron ore in the base triangle. A disc balances on the tip of the triangle and supports a third shape at its apex. This third form resembles a flame or reflection in water. It suggests an aerial view of Miners Lake with its surrounding trail.
The central disc contains realistic cutouts of forest, water, trails and area wildlife including a great blue heron, common loon, belted kingfisher, cliff swallows, juncos, trout and turtle. The background of sky and trees, the interplay of light and shadow, all become integral with the image.
Trace, 2001
weathering steel and iron ore
18'6" H x 39" W x 12" D
Located at 760 E. Miners Drive, Ely, Minnesota
The central themes of Trace — transformation, containment and history — are inspired by Miners Lake, once an iron ore mine that now represents the region's changing view toward nature as a valued resource. Combining abstract and representational images, it is intended to encourage individual response and interpretation.
The 18-foot sculpture faces Miners Lake and is visible from Tresona Trail. It is made of weathering steel, a material that develops a protective layer of oxidation through exposure to the elements. Weathering steel is about 98 percent iron, alloyed with carbon for strength and other elements including copper, chromium and manganese for the protective weathering. The sculpture has weathered to a rich red brown that references the Iron Range history of the region.
The visual impressions of Trace are of ascension, balance and flatness. Fluid lines flow upwards, originating from a ground-level piece of iron ore in the base triangle. A disc balances on the tip of the triangle and supports a third shape at its apex. This third form resembles a flame or reflection in water. It suggests an aerial view of Miners Lake with its surrounding trail.
The central disc contains realistic cutouts of forest, water, trails and area wildlife including a great blue heron, common loon, belted kingfisher, cliff swallows, juncos, trout and turtle. The background of sky and trees, the interplay of light and shadow, all become integral with the image.
Trace, 2001
weathering steel and iron ore
18'6" H x 39" W x 12" D