My favorite piece of public art in Logansport is the Orange Grasses sculpture in Stonewall Park. I was very excited to see it as a proposed sketch and finally as great, lasting work.
There is often no shortage of controversy about public works of art. A few of us will remember the controversy of the Chicago sculptures by Picasso and Anish Kapoor. Some pieces that originally sparked controversy are now recognized as great works, while others are now ignored. Certainly there are many “good” works of art that may not be to everyone’s particular taste.
Sometimes art will be “interpreted” to mean something different from what was intended. One of my first successes in an international photography competition involved a judge interpreting my image as having to do with women’s liberation. That was not my intent, but it made for a happy result for me.
The blacksmith who created our sculpture at Fourth and High streets said quite simply that he was inspired by dew on grass. If you are inclined to look for deeper meaning, then whatever is on your mind, whatever you “bring to the table,” will suggest meanings to you.
If I had the job of judging the Orange Grasses sculpture, I would approach it as a representational piece, and not play with interpretation. (Though there are surely those who would say I don’t know anything about art, it is true that I have judged many art competitions and still judge the International Professional Photography Exhibition.) I would ask: Will it stand the test of time? Does it have impact? Does it move me? Does it command me to look? Does the composition flow and balance? Do I see something new each time I look at it? Does the color work? My answer to these questions would be an enthusiastic “yes.” Logansport is fortunate to have this sculpture.
Rich Voorhees
Logansport
Opinion
November 18, 2012
PUBLIC FORUM: City fortunate to have sculpture
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