Mission
public art
Astride-Aside, 2003
Michael Stutz, artist
Mission Station provides an unexpectedly calming small town ambience. Trees, grassy areas, and rustic monuments to the past are incorporated into this station's design and become an extension of the community greenbelt. Artist Michael Stutz has installed a larger than life "walking man" sculpture at the main entrance. The sculpture's eye-catching scale and dynamic use of the human form is an engaging symbol for a community moving ahead, yet resolutely committed to doing so at its own pace and in its own manner. Built of irregularly sheared, annealed bronze strips welded together around a stainless steel armature, the sculpture combines twisting fluidity with bundled energy. The open latticed construction allows sunlight a shadow to sparkle and dance through the sculptural space, shifting constantly between internal and external realms. The bronze surface of warm earth tones and aging patina has reflective depth with the added benefit of exceptional durability. The outstretched arms and legs of the sculpture rise into the sky and echo the trunks and branches of adjacent trees, creating a relationship between nature, man, and the station.
Situated atop granite blocks that were once a part of the Arroyo rail bridge, the "walking man" is supported by a foundation from the past, integrating effortlessly with existing historic monuments in the area. Cast into plaques embedded in the surrounding paving is "Astride Aside," the artist's title for this artwork and theme for the installation.
