Peaks

The abstract “Peaks” are essential, iconic forms that where inspired by the beautiful Wasatch mountains on the horizon of the Daybreak community. The artwork explores the notion of “passage” both literally by moving through the “Peaks” to the Library and figuratively by how ideas can change ones way of thinking or put another way, how we see the world. Transporting a person from one perspective to another, providing connections along the way, creating a sense of wonder.

Modified Cor-Ten steels I-beams packed with internal lighting where used to create the peak shapes. These forms are outlined at night with a blue light, that radiates from within, to create a new dynamic of how the sculpture is experienced. The blue light seems to be revealed and concealed or seems to appear and disappear, as one move around the artwork. As the viewer changes their perspective, the light comes into view and fades out of view.

The individual peak forms are intended to change as a collective whole, as ones perspective changes. The sculpture references both the mountains and a type of tunnel or archway, inviting the viewer to experience the installation pass through.This project involves a collaboration between the Sculptor James Brenner, the poet Emily Dyer Barker and the local community to create graphically designed poetry-inlaid benches along with monumental steel sculptures referencing the environmental landscape in the region and is intended to engage visitors to the library and create a gathering space for exchanging ideas and strengthening community bonds.

The poems are inspired by responses Barker received from a community survey. The poems explore time of day and season, as well as the relationship between home, neighborhood, and environment. The tin poetry text was cast directly into the wood. The poetry benches were made possible by sponsorship from LiveDAYBREAK.