Balance, University of Gainesville, FL, Nursing & Pharmacy Complex
Scale: 28 feet high ~ Materials: Steinless steel, stone ~ 2003
This kinetic art work includes a 3-ft diameter polished stainless steel ball that swings on its axis with the wind. It symbolizes the human body in motion, always trying to sustain balance. This public art icon refers to health and wellness issues at the medical facility, as well as the facility’s scientific and humanistic purposes.
A Personal Story
Whatever their specialities, physicians, nurses, techs, all health professionals always look for balance ~ balance that aligns the mind and heart. This kinetic sculpture captures that balance. When you see the "humanoid" sculpture you recoginize the head symbolized by glass and the heart symbolized by a counter-balanced sphere. They move in rhythm like a heart beat. But there was another kind of balance we had to find.
Situated in a U-shaped plaza, the sculpture is surrounded by the Schools of Pharmacology, Nursing and General Practice. And the deans of all three departments wanted it to face their side of the building and asked if we could turn it!
Nope. It needs to face outward, to passersby, all of whom search for the same balance that gives life to patients.