Harmonizing Hearts: The One Song Staircase
Client:
City of Nanaimo
Year:
2020
In the heart of Nanaimo's downtown core, the City beckoned us to create an artistic intervention, a poignant reminder of our collective journey through the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were honored by this invitation, and we knew that art had the power to speak to the soul of our community.
To bring this vision to life, we collaborated with a fellow artist and Nanaimo's esteemed Poet Laureate, Tina Biello. From her heartfelt poem, "One Song," the concept of the One Song Staircase was born.
Read The Story
The artwork unfurled on a staircase at the back of Diana Krall Plaza, nestled in Nanaimo's vibrant Arts District. It's a piece that breathes life into an under utilized space, adorned with vivid colors, phrases of poetry, and design elements that pay homage to the auditory magic of Tina's verses.
At the center of it all stands the radial soundwave, an embodiment of our collective voices. This soundwave was meticulously crafted from the audio waves of Lauren's voice, reciting the final phrase of "One Song." It's a testament to the power of words and their ability to transcend into the visual realm.
The colors flow gracefully, filling the spaces where the concrete contours intersect and playfully bounce off each other, yet maintaining a respectful distance. This symbolism mirrors our collective experience—separate paths, but a shared journey, each of us longing for moments of connection through the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions..
The staircase itself becomes a powerful symbol: the separate yet aligned paths community members tread upon. It's a visual representation of the relationships we've cultivated, keeping our distance when necessary but always finding moments of profound connectivity.
The One Song Staircase is more than just art; it's a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of our community. It reminds us that even during the most challenging times, we can find a harmonious melody that unites our hearts.