La Puerta
Tucson, Arizona

“La Puerta” (The Door)
14’h x 8’w x 3.6’d
Rammed Earth and Bronze
Tucson, Arizona 2006

 

Bronze panels of community “keys” 5’ x 18”

The concept of art as a living entity is constantly on my mind. Public art comes alive when it encompasses multiple visions, relates in significant ways to its community and speaks to the hopes and dreams of people throughout time, encompassing past, present and future.

Two elements emerged as I walked the site and thought about the neighborhood: the architectural metaphor of a door as the threshold between the seen and unseen and the key to the door; those who are living keys in the ongoing story of this particular community.

“La Puerta”, a mirror image on both faces, was constructed of rammed earth, chosen for its sustainable properties and vernacular connections to the earth. The 200 individual keys created by local youth were cast on two 5’ by 18" bronze plates. Each key represents a unique personal story which was captured in writing as part of the work. The collected essays are as varied as the individuals involved and are currently being compiled for local libraries.