Woven Embrace is a monumental sculpture installed in the new concourse at Nashville International Airport, symbolizing unity, arrival, and shared humanity. Composed of mirror-polished stainless-steel spheres suspended by fine wire ropes, the arch forms a dynamic, lace-like structure that invites travelers to pause and reflect.
Inspired by the powerful symbolism of gateways around the world, the arch represents both departure and arrival. Its flowing knots and interwoven lines echo the diverse paths of those who pass through BNA each day. Drawing from global cultural meanings of knots—ranging from reconciliation and eternity to commitment and unity—the artwork embodies connection on many levels.
Rather than dictating a single interpretation, Woven Embrace encourages personal reflection. It offers a moment of calm amidst the travel experience—a visual and mental escape that allows each viewer to create their own narrative.
The mirrored spheres reflect both the architectural space and the people within it, turning each traveler into part of the artwork. These reflections become a symbolic group portrait of global movement and interconnectedness. In this way, Woven Embrace becomes more than a sculpture—it is a shared experience, binding individuals together, one knot at a time.
Newton’s cradle, the inspiration for the piece, is a device that demonstrates conservation of momentum and energy using a series of swinging spheres and is named after Sir Isaac Newton.
Installed in Santa Monica, California, Cradle is made of durable 316L mirrored stainless steel that has withstood years of salty coastal air and harsh sunshine. It requires little maintenance yet remains in
beautiful condition twelve years later.
beautiful condition twelve years later.
Concession Node Artwork
BNA Concourse D Extension
BNA Concourse D Extension
OPTION 1
In the bustling new concourse at Nashville International Airport, a grand arch extends overhead, as lace of intricate knots crafted from strings of mirror-polished stainless-steel spheres and supported by
an array of thin wire ropes form an abstract geometric composition.
an array of thin wire ropes form an abstract geometric composition.
Like crisscrossing footpaths, they represent the diverse journeys and shared experiences of individuals of all walks of life who we encounter on our passage through BNA.
The knot image is a poignant metaphor. In West African cultures knots are symbol of reconciliation and peacemaking. In China it they symbolize longevity and eternity - a long life without setbacks. In
India, they symbolize the ultimate unity of everything. And in American, tying a knot means making a commitment. These are just a few examples, but from whatever cultural perspective one looks from,
they will find positive symbolic meanings associated with knots.
India, they symbolize the ultimate unity of everything. And in American, tying a knot means making a commitment. These are just a few examples, but from whatever cultural perspective one looks from,
they will find positive symbolic meanings associated with knots.
OPTION 2
While some travelers will see the pathways and knot that I described above, it is not my aim to firmly fix the meaning of the project for the viewer but to allow each to compose their own narrative.
It is playground of the mind, a place for each traveler to engage their imagination and escape momentarily from the stress of travel.
The material of the artwork contributes to its enigma by inviting the participation of the viewer. As travelers journey beneath the span of the arch, their own reflections greet them, dancing across the
shining surfaces on the spheres. Each is an anamorphic mirror that captures and reflects the space of the whole concourse.
shining surfaces on the spheres. Each is an anamorphic mirror that captures and reflects the space of the whole concourse.
Option 1 Elevation
Option 2 Elevation
INSTALATION
PROCCESS
Almost There
