Q&A with the man behind the Greene Square sculpture

Bruce Beasley didn't live through the flood of 2008, but he was inspired by what he read and heard about in the days, months and years that followed. The Oakland, California, artist said he was struck by the energy of Cedar Rapids residents to move forward and sculpt a new chapter in their history.

Now, Beasley is part of the Cedar Rapids story.

He's the man behind the spiraling, silver sculpture at Greene Square, which is to be dedicated during an event at 1 p.m. Friday. Beasley, who celebrates his 77th birthday on Friday, plans to attend the event, which is open to the public.

See Also: Following $1.9 million renovation, Green Square dedication scheduled for Friday

The artist was selected from a pool of 200 applicants and took about one year to create the sculpture, which he titled Rollic.

The Gazette caught up with Beasley this week to discuss his artwork and what he feels it says about Cedar Rapids.

What does Rollic represent?

Rollic serves as a visual link between the architectural anchors of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Rollic brings necessary monumentality in both a horizontal and vertical fashion. The horizontal plane is of great importance to the Greene Square aesthetic, reinforcing the visual unification of the museum and library. Symbolically, Rollic is a bridge between the institutions, linking them on an intellectual, spatial and creative plane.

The goal for this art was to provide Cedar Rapids with a perfect blend of sophisticated form that encourages joyous observation and spontaneous conversation between people. Rollic has a universal appeal while remaining firmly grounded in a sophisticated modern aesthetic. Truly, it is a gateway experience for children, families, and visitors to either the museum or library.

How were you able to fit the sculpture into the theme of Greene Square?

There is a classical purity of form that must be achieved if a monumental public artwork is to seamlessly integrate into the design vocabulary of a site and the hearts of the community. Rollic integrates wonderfully into the re-envisioned visual narrative of downtown Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids is an intellectually vibrant, welcoming, energetic, upbeat and resilient community. The community values the arts, families, and engaged outdoor activities in equal measure. I set out to imbue the Greene Square art with attributes that embody the spirit and enthusiasm of the Cedar Rapids Community.

Rollic sets the tone for Greene Square; it is of an inviting, robust inclusion that highlights the Square as a destination place for both residents and visitors.

Why did you pursue this project in Cedar Rapids?

There was a nationwide open competition to create this sculpture. I thought the area was very interesting and wanted to bring the energy of the city into the piece. I was aware of the past flooding in Cedar Rapids and was impressed by the energy they had rebuilt the city with.

I feel Rollic embodies many of the qualities that define Cedar Rapids: Bold form, welcoming presence, energetic composition, timeless, enduring materials, and easy confidence. I hope Rollic becomes a favorite destination and landmark for the Cedar Rapids community.

What was the process of assembling the sculpture?

Because of its size, I could not create it in my studio. JW Bell assembled the sculpture and then it was split into more than 25 pieces, which Bounnak Thammavong, a local sculptor, and his crew re-assembled at Greene Square under my direction.

How does Rollic relate to your previous work?

The sculpture that emerged draws inspiration from two of my more recent series. The intersecting loops of geometry create wonderful 'portals' that bisect the sky and landscape. It is an interactive sculpture both physically and visually, inviting the audience, especially children, to move around and experience or discover new vignettes that are defined by the stainless steel sculpture. Overall the art is both substantial yet visually light.