Joseph Fichter Sculpture Proposal Horizon Drive District Grand Junction, CO Proposal
Wild horses will bring excitement to the two new roundabouts that connect Interstate 70 with Horizon Drive and the city of Grand Junction. My sculptures will be enduring symbols of the respect for the land that this community embraces. My proposal for these two roundabouts is a visual experience reflecting the vision and integrity of the people, the land, and the wild horses of this region. In the larger roundabout, south of Interstate 70, I propose four larger than life-size horses running together across the roundabout. These mustangs (1.5 times life-size) would be three full grown horses and one foal. I envision these four mustangs running along a creek bed. The horses would be on a raised area of land. The creek bed would be lower than the horses, but higher than the perimeter curb/ wall. Vitality, strength, unity and the connection between wild horses and the land are some of the elements I will convey. In the smaller roundabout, north of Interstate 70, I propose two larger than life-size mustangs (1.5 times life-size). One of the horses will be rearing and elevated on a mesa. After consulting with Mr. Ciavonne, landscape architect, a seven and a half foot elevation from road level would be a workable rise in elevation for this mesa. The other horse would be at a lower ground level, possibly 18 inches above road level. There is a dynamic communication between the two horses. Strength, independence and interdependence are all at work in this scene. Joseph Fichter Proposal p. 2
My sculptures will have a visual relationship with the landscape of Western Colorado. I wish to express this connection within the roundabouts, making the landscaping and the sculptures a unified sculptural work. How does my proposal address what the Horizon Drive District is looking for? Reinforce the strength and individuality of both, the wild horses and the people of this western community; The motion, life and strength of the wild horses I create will capture a sense of freedom and unity. The open spaces within the sculptures will speak to the vastness of the landscape that shapes the character of the wild horses and the people of this community. The twists and turns of the rugged steel will give recognition to the strength of the horses and the people. Blend the cultural heritage of the past with a modern acumen for the future; Wild horses continue to live and run free in this land. This theme builds a bridge between past and future. My sculptures will celebrate this connection. As I sculpt my horses, I am attentive to the anatomy of the horse. My horses have a naturalism that is structured with abstract steel shapes that retain their identity in our industrial heritage. The horses I sculpt are anatomically accurate. At the same time, they express a fresh, modern sensibility. Be distinctive, dynamic, unique, contemporary, and larger-than-life; not necessarily traditional Western ; The horses I create will be a unified work of art. They will be more connected in style than the individual works I am displaying in my photographs. That said, every sculpture I make is a one of a kind work of art. I thrive on the new discoveries I find in each piece of metal. The deep respect for the material and the working process are key elements that inform my work. The wild horses for Grand Junction will be larger than life in size and spirit: For example, the rearing horse standing in a mesa, approximately seven feet from ground level, will be approximately 21 feet in height from the ground. This is 3.5 to 4 times adult human height. Scale, style, power and aesthetics will work together to create a distinctive and contemporary work of art. Joseph Fichter Proposal p. 3
Provide excitement and interest for visitors and residents of the community; When people circle the roundabouts for the first time or on a daily basis, the visual experience will be invigorating and continue to provide new discoveries. Visitors will not forget the unique way landscape, art, and wild horses come together in this gateway to Grand Junction. This entrance will identify the city as a sophisticated, forward thinking community, with a deep respect for its cultural and natural heritage. I hope the viewers will see in my sculptures more than wild horses. These sculptures are artworks that explore composition, movement, and space. This artwork will be easy to recognize and enjoy. It will also provide opportunities for deeper appreciation. Create a lasting image that brands the Horizon Drive Corridor with the artwork; The running herd of horses in one roundabout balanced by the stationary, but active horses in the other roundabout complement each other. These two scenes are both strong and memorable images. Conveying a full range of values; strength, compassion, individuality and community, I believe the Horizon Drive Corridor will embrace these images with pride. Action-oriented (running herd of horses) Yes! Easily viewed at 25-30 m.p.h. The sculptures convey motion when the viewer stands still, but viewing is improved by circling around them. One could say my sculptures assemble themselves by the eye in motion. Driving the roundabout is an excellent way to view the wild horses. Joseph Fichter Proposal p. 4
Not overly detailed - the artwork should not encourage pedestrians to enter the roundabout for closer examination My sculptures attract a lot of attention, but these sculptures will not invite pedestrians to climb on them. People love to look at them. The movement in the steel and the spaces within the forms invite the viewer to travel around the sculptures. However, these sculptures do not encourage the viewer to climb or sit upon them. How do my sculptures relate to the adjacent highway structures? The materials I use are akin to the materials used to construct the adjacent highway bridges. My sculptures are made from I-beams, angle iron, steel plate, steel pipe, etc. I manipulate this steel to convey motion, grace and equine anatomy. However, my sculptures retain a relationship to the steel that built bridges. My sculptures will harmoniously integrate with the architecture of these structures. Durability My sculptures will be made from thick and substantive steel. I will not use sheet metal and thin rods. I will be using I-beams, thick plate steel and thick walled piping. I sometimes create seemingly delicate elements within my sculptures, but these seemingly delicate forms are made from thick steel and are well connected to the whole. I began my career by going to welding school and making submarines for the U.S. Navy. As a sculpture teacher for many years, welding was an important part of my curriculum. I also taught welding and fabrication skills in adult education programs. Grace and elegance is key, but the work that comes out of my studio is built like a submarine. The open spaces within my sculptures make them more wind resistant than a solid form. Joseph Fichter Proposal p. 5
Surface (Patina) I propose giving these sculptures a rusted patina. The rusted surface would go best with the character and color of the wild horses and the landscape. Painted steel or other protective coatings are options. This would require more maintenance. Maintenance and Resistance to Vandalism and Theft A rusted surface would require essentially no maintenance. Bird dropping happen and it would be nice to occasionally clean them off. This is a very easy process. Bird droppings do not adversely effect a rusted patina, as it does on bronze. If a rusted surface is spray painted by vandals, it can easily be wire brushed off. The wire brushed surface will rust again and the problem is solved. If a painted or bronze surface gets vandalized, the repair becomes more complicated and costly. Theft is not a problem. The sculptures are fully welded together. Each sculpture will weigh approximately one ton and they will be bolted to the ground. Weathering If the steel is not sitting in water and it has proper drainage, corrosion after 100 years will hardly be measurable. I construct my sculptures to allow water to shed from or drain out of the metal. I am excited about this compelling project and I am poised to begin work on it. I have a studio that can accommodate the majesty of larger than life sized horses, and I have the experience to fabricate, transport and install sculptures of this scale. My horses will welcome people to Grand Junction, as they enter the city from the highway. Your citizens will enjoy the horses daily, and images of wild horses will stay with visitors, as they drive away. The sculptures will become part of the landscape, and Grand Junction will have an icon that is familiar throughout the West. Joseph Fichter Proposal p. 6