Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Unexpected Discovery


 I was driving in north Phoenix on Sunday when I discovered this unusual sculpture located in a very nondescript spot.  I couldn't find any signs or information for it so I did some Google searching.

I found that this sculpture was commissioned by the city of Phoenix to be placed in a small pocket park that now covers a former well that was used many, many years ago.  The sculpture was created by Barbara Grygutis of Tucson.  Apparently there is a blue light at the base of this sculpture that lights it from within at night.  

It is supposed to represent the varied path of water in the desert but, it reminds me of the "dust devils" we get in the dry southwest.  Those happen when the wind whips up some dust in the shape of a tornado and sends it spinning across the desert floor.  

13 comments:

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I like the design very much Sharon.. I straight away thought of water spiralling down and when you mentioned that it was over an old well site, it strengthened that image ✨

Gemel said...

It reminds me of a whirlpool. Really creative.

Travel said...

I can see the symbolism, nice

Andy said...

My 4 year old granddaughter said it should have ice cream at the top. She might change her mind later in the day. :-)

William Kendall said...

Tornado came to mind for me. I like it.

Janey and Co. said...

I agree with it resembling a dust devil. I’ll bet it is a site to see at night.

Sami said...

It's quite a modern sculpture, I like it!

RedPat said...

We watched a show about dust devils last night. It does remind me of one but I first thought of an ice cream cone, Sharon! ;-)

Steve Reed said...

Interesting! It definitely brings to mind wind and water. I also thought of a similar sculpture I saw years ago in Christchurch, NZ, featuring New Zealand native plants.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Square,_Christchurch#/media/File:CathSquare.JPG

Bill said...

What a beautiful and creative sculpture.

Silver in AZ said...

Hi! I'm back, I think! LOL That is a very cool sculpture. I know there are a few cities in Southern CA that require builders to place sculptures; the size dependent upon the size property they are constructing, and the art must be approved by a city council. (City of Brea is the best known one.) It results in gorgeous works of art (some odd), all over the city.

Catalyst said...

Yes, you're right. But so is the artist.

Aimz said...

Reminds me of a dust storm or a tornado, I agree with your comments on it.