NW Monroe County YMCA, Bloomington, Indiana.

80’ x 15’ x 16’

Prominent and most striking within this 80’ wide stone, aluminum and steel composition is a 16’ tall striding figure with a multicolor interior. Because the figure is perforated, spaced and layered the colors, the imagery within and the background landscape constantly shift and change as the viewer moves around the piece.

The striding figure is positioned so that it is the first thing seen as members of the Y arrive at the stop sign on Innovation Court. The figure is a powerful archetype that is intended to speak to the ideals of a healthy spirit, mind and body. It is a stylized image moving forward, resolute and positive. And, it is supported physically and visually by a composition of monumental stones that move along the landscape of the hilltop island.

The figure is composed of four layers of water jet cut aluminum. All surfaces are professionally powder coated. The central interior layers of the figure are coated in the five colors used within the YMCA logo. The colors are intended here to reinforce the YMCA philosophy. The finished interior of the perforated figure also contains three words prominent in the YMCA’s philosophy, “Mind, Body and Spirit”.

The figure is surrounded by a grouping of both physically and visually connected stone forms. The visual movement of these large forms begins at the right and increase in size and movement to the crescendo of the striding figure. Each of the stones is surface carved with textures and images that add to the visual and conceptual movement of the overall composition.

All of the elements of the sculpture are either physically or visually connected. Each portion of the composition depends on its neighboring form. This physical manifestation reinforces the conceptual idea of connectivity and our reliance on one another and our connection to the “whole”. As a total composition all of the individual elements of this proposal are woven together into a cohesive image that speaks of the ideals and identity of the YMCA

The materials used for this project are Indiana Limestone, Powder Coated Steel and Aluminum and Stainless Steel. These materials are known for their strength, durability, integrity and beauty. They work well for structural applications and are known to withstand the natural elements. The stone is carved so that it retains the mark of a hand. The steel brackets were hand fabricated in my shop and the aluminum figure was water jet cut and powder coated in order to withstand the elements. All hardware is stainless steel.

Dale Enochs

10/31/19