Desert Kinship
I am honored to be selected by the City of Las Cruces to design and install a public artwork at La Buena Vida Park. After a competitive selection process, my proposal was chosen for the project.
This project design has been inspired by my site visits to La Buena Vida Park and my experience walking on the trails through the park. The park serves as a vibrant oasis to the community that celebrates the natural beauty of the Chihuahuan desert, offering visitors a chance to connect with the unique flora and fauna of the region. As I explored the trails, I noticed the wide variety of native cacti that are present, especially the three variations of prickly pear, which is thriving and is a vital part of this ecosystem.
The park is not only a sanctuary for native flora but also a haven for wildlife. During my visit, I observed a variety of birds, including the Gambel quail, whose presence added a sense of movement and life to the desert landscape. These quail, with their distinctive plumage and graceful movements, embody the spirit of the desert, resilient yet elegant in their adaptation to the environment. I also noticed cottontail rabbits darting among the cacti, their quiet activity a reminder of the subtle, often overlooked beauty of the desert's inhabitants.
More than a home for nature, La Buena Vida Park is also a beloved space for the community. I encountered people walking through the trails exercising or passing through. Others came to relax, finding moments of peace amidst the serenity. The park’s trails are also a favorite destination for dog owners, where pets and their humans enjoy the open spaces together, fostering a sense of companionship and joy. This vibrant interaction between people and nature gives the park a dynamic, living quality that perfectly aligns with its name.
The name "La Buena Vida," or "The Good Life," encapsulates the essence of the park. It speaks to a life in harmony with nature, where simplicity and connection to the land bring fulfillment and joy. My proposed design of stylized Gambel quail and prickly pear cacti aims to honor this vision. The materials and forms will evoke the timeless and enduring qualities of the desert landscape, creating a piece that not only reflects the park’s environment but also invites visitors to appreciate its delicate balance and beauty.
Through Desert Kinship, I hope to celebrate the unique identity of La Buena Vida Park, creating a piece that resonates with its visitors and fosters a deeper connection to the natural world that surrounds them.
My proposed sculpture is 4 metal structures of stylized prickly pear cacti and a flock of Gambel's quail. This project will be completed in the fall of this year. I will post more updates as this project comes along.
Below is a digital mockup of Desert Kinship.
Stay tuned…more coming soon!
