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. This monumental artwork, titled “Woven Embrace,” welcomes travelers as a
poignant symbol of arrival and unity, inviting viewers to contemplate what binds us
together as citizens of the world.
Arches can be powerful symbols of arrival and departure, think of the Gateway Arch in St.
Louis or the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Our arch memorializes BNA by holding its own,
expanding into the architectural volume of the new concourse like a soaring jet trail. At the
heart of Woven Embrace is a motif of interweaving lines, embodied in flowing knots
arrayed in a wide arch shape. 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. They form the threads of a tapestry, converging and diverging,
weaving together the cultures and aspirations of those who pass beneath their embrace.
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.
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. The reflections serve as another
poignant reminder of our interconnectedness, inviting viewers to see themselves and
others in the artwork itself: a group selfie with travelers from throughout the world
becomes part of the story. Through its form and evocative symbolism, Woven Embrace
celebrates the kaleidoscope of human heterogeneity.
Woven Embrace invites viewers to take a journey of introspection and connection with
fellow travelers. We’re reminded of the importance of welcoming our differences. Its yarns
wrap around the people below it, and each traveler is reflected in the threads of the
tapestry, and each is bound to their neighbor, person to person, 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.
Concession Node Artwork
BNA Concourse D Extension
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.
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
