Blue Lotus

by Meryl Taradash

"Blue Lotus" a 12' 6" tall kinetic formed aluminum piece by Meryl Taradash (1953-2024). Purchased through the Edmond Visual Arts Commission (EVAC) with a private donor/public matching fund program called Art in Public Places in partnership with an Anonymous Donor.  On Taradash's website she wrote, "Artist's Statement: I have always been fascinated by capturing the light on mountains and its reflected shadows or the energy of the wind sweeping through trees. Inspired by the ever- changing natural environment, I sculpt the movement of reflected wind and light in my work. The unpredictability of natural forces is essential to my work as a sculptor. I want people to see and experience these elements. As an artist, I am interested in creating public art because I believe it affects people in subtle and unexpected ways, and I also believe that movement invites participation. Having evolved from painting to installation as a public artist over 35 years ago, my artistic inquiry became: How do I shape people’s lives by shaping their spaces? At the same time taking my work outdoors into the natural environment progressed to working with metals as linear forms growing from the earth. The engineering problems presented by wind-driven sculpture can be daunting. Studying the movement quality, I strive to make the completed installation appear “effortless.” My goal for my sculpture is to balance and rebalance, moment to moment. My designs mirror the changing experiences of life. These uplifting abstractions convey more than words can express. Each of my completed sculptures assumes a life of its own, totally dependent upon the will of the wind and the light of the sun."

Worktype: Abstract Sculptures Kinetic Sculptures