Overview
Situated at a prominent, high-traffic intersection in Oklahoma City, adjacent to the new rapid transit metro line, “Nourish” has quickly become a local landmark, drawing significant foot traffic and serving as a popular backdrop for photographs.  This dynamic sculpture embodies the concept of knowledge as a seed, connecting the individual to the universe and the natural world, all within the context of the library as a vital resource.  Etched into the glass centerpiece is an excerpt from U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s “Remember” (1952): “You are this universe and this universe is you,” a powerful reminder of the potential contained within a single seed and the transformative power of the library.  The sculpture’s form and orientation harmonize with the building’s architecture, providing a compelling focal point for visitors both inside and out.  At night, the form and glass are independently illuminated by programmable lighting installations, offering a range of thematic displays accessible via an intuitive interior touch panel.

The commission challenged artists to move beyond familiar and often-used library tropes, encouraging proposals that creatively explored the expansion and dissemination of knowledge, illuminated the traditional roles of storytelling, or ideally, both.  The goal was to create a sculpture/installation that would not only activate the user experience within and beyond the building’s walls but also establish a distinct and memorable destination.

Throughout the project’s development, we maintained a close collaboration with both the architectural and library teams.  Working in concert with the architects, we designed a complementary landscape that grounds the installation and enhances its presence. This collaboration resulted in an integrated hardscape, featuring landscape berms that flank the approaches to the sculpture.  To ensure a cohesive aesthetic, our hardscape construction was strategically timed to coincide with other building hardscape projects, completing months in advance of the sculpture’s installation. “Nourish” comes alive after dark through programmable DMX lighting, illuminating the form and glass independently.  The robust construction of “Nourish” is designed for durability and longevity.  All elements, including the lighting and the form itself, are elevated on raised hardscapes to protect them from potential damage from vehicles and lawn maintenance.  The art glass is tempered and safety laminated, the lighting components are IPX9 rated, and the engineering of the installation is designed to withstand wind loads of up to 230 mph.