Client: Scottsdale Public Art
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, United States
Completion date: 2007
Project Team
Artist
Donald Lipski
Sound Artist
Jim Green
Project Manager
John Grant
Public Art Services
Overview
The Doors is a three story tall structure that acts as a giant walk-in kaleidoscope in Scottsdale, AZ. Due to the tilt of the planes, a miraculous virtual sphere of sky hovers at the apex simulating the experience of being inside a kaleidoscope. Artist Donald Lipski partnered with Denver-based sound artist Jim Green who created a sound element entitled Sound Passage that visitors experience once inside the kaleidoscopic structure. Visitors can listen to found sounds such as the Soleri bells at Cosanti, and a variety of mysterious aural selections including watery swishes, melodious vocals, and cadenced percussion. Green’s selections also include recordings from a flute performance of Sedona recording artist Jesse Kalu. These enigmatic audio elements mitigate the noise of passing traffic, creating a truly contemplative experience that Green calls a “sound massage”.
This work is comprised of Ipe (Brazilian Hardwood), structural steel, thousands of hand-forged stainless steel rivets and strapping, mirror polished stainless steel, and l.e.d. lights. The Doors was commissioned by Starwood Capital Group, LLD, Golub & Company, and IDM Properties in cooperation with the Scottsdale Public Art Program, and gifted to the City of Scottsdale upon its dedication.
Goals
The sculpture marks the entrance to downtown Scottsdale and is sited at a high-traffic corner.
“It’s meant to really make an impact as people drive by, but it will also be a unique experience people can get from walking up to it, and hopefully encourage you to come back,” Lipski said.
The placard contains a William Blake quotation: "If the doors of Perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite."
Process
Public Art Services provided the following services: Design coordination, Materials research, Budget management, Engineering coordination and oversight, Fabricator bid process, Fabrication oversight, Lighting design development, Shipping, Installation services, Scheduling, and Project close-out.