LOOK

Walk around and look at this sculpture from every side. What natural elements does it make you think about? Harry Bertoia said it represents gentleness and strength. Where do you find these qualities?

Bertoia was inspired by the natural world and, for this work, by the form of a seashell. Notice how the base of the sculpture resembles a tree trunk. Another part seems like a flower. Can you find it? What else reminds you of nature? Think about caves. Think about waves.

INTERACT and EXPLORE

Experience the sculpture in different ways:

Listen: step into the sculpture and listen to the flowing water (during the warm weather) or to the echo of your voice (when it’s too cold for the water to be on).
Look: from different viewpoints, the forms and sculptural spaces seem to change. Find fleeting moments like a rainbow in the water or a bird taking a bath.
Touch: Feel the welded tubes of metal. Is the texture the same all around, or does it vary?

HOW DID IT GET HERE?

In 2016, the sculpture was delivered to Woodmere at 3:00 am, escorted by Philadelphia police on a flatbed truck. Why in the middle of the night? It was too big to safely move on the highway during the day. Click here to watch the sculpture’s journey to the Museum.

Click here to see how the artist created this sculpture with copper tubing and bronze welding rods.

Woodmere'sOutdoorWonder

Woodmere's
Outdoor
Wonder