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The Artist’s Sketch: Shirley Wyrick
Iowa
City artist Shirley Wyrick believes enhancing public spaces with art
helps satisfy our need for wonder, meditation and delight, while leaving a record
of ourselves and a legacy for the future.
Wyrick, who has worked as an artist since the early 80s, has major public sculptures at the Levitt Center for University Advancement, Iowa City; the State Historical Building, Des Moines; the Regency West Office Park, West Des Moines; the UI Clapp Recital Hall, Iowa City; and the Johnson County Administration Building, Iowa City. Many of her works are created in iron or bronze, and focus primarily on river themes. She also has sculptures and drawings in museums and public collections in Iowa and Europe, and in private collections across the country.
Working as a public artist requires much thought as to the space in which the piece will reside, the safety considerations of those who will be around it and the project budget, Wyrick said.
“I don’t believe it is impossible to make beautiful or meaningful artwork while at the same time as taking into account the practical considerations, such as long-lasting materials and structural soundness,” Wyrick said. “I feel responsible to the owner of the artwork to do my best to make maintenance clear and as easy as possible.”
Wyrick’s
bronze relief Critical Juncture/Fluid Boundary, located
on the southwest outdoor terrace of the State Historical Building, will
undergo substantial changes as it transforms into Critical
Juncture/Greenfall, a living work of art that will
use greenery to suggest flowing water. The original bronze relief will remain
intact and in place. The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is currently seeking
donations to offset the cost of this important project, which is planned for completion
in 2006.
“I believe that once created, Greenfall will become a point of great pride for Des Moines area residents and visitors, and that it will fulfill its promise to be a ‘placemaker’ for the State Historical Building and a community gathering place,” Wyrick said.
Whatever the location, Wyrick’s vision for her art finds its place in natural surroundings that provide the physical, historical and symbolic connectedness of people to their community.
“I strongly believe it is important to include the public during the making of an artwork whenever possible,” she said. “It takes some very special people to make art in public places happen and to make it work—artists are only one part of the team.”
For more information on Shirley Wyrick, visit her listing in the Iowa Arts Council's Public Art Artists Roster.
To donate to the Critical Juncture/Greenfall project or for more information,
contact Sarah McKiness at 515-281-6911 or Sarah.McKiness@iowa.gov.
