HomeMy WebLinkAboutHansen AIPP Letter SCULPTURAL ELEMENTS �►
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
RICHARD HANSEN WATERMARKS
5007 County Rd. 123
( Ft
Penrose, CO 81240
PH: (719)372 -3522 LT
FAX: (719)549 -2120 j
Dear Vail AIPP Board:
This is the first public art project where I have felt it necessary to terminate my
involvement. I have completed 25 projects in the last 20 years including "Edge
Elements ", South Shore Lakefront and Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2007 -
Selected and recognized in the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network
2008 Year in Review.
I enjoyed my involvement with the design team that addressed issues of streetscape
design for East and West Meadow Drive and I compliment the Town of Vail for a
design process that integrated public art into the overall design. But I have been
disappointed in the lack of interaction between the 4 Seasons Development Team
and myself — our exchange was all but nonexistent for most of the project. It was
obvious that the design team felt no need to involve me in a collaborative process
as the design was developed. A good example of that was the elimination of the
Spraddle Creek public art element on the construction documents ( stamped NOT
USED). As the public artist, I knew nothing about this until I was sent a copy of
the construction drawings much later in the process.
Why did I continue on with the project? I pressed on out of a long time desire to
have a public art piece in Vail. My work with Todd Oppenheimer on the Flowline
component was successful. I want to thank him not only for his collaboration on
the Flowline component but his rare combination of pragmatic understanding of
"on the ground" details and a grasp of how to make the larger systems work. I
regret that I will not be able to coordinate the project with him: But it is quite clear
that the 4 Seasons project is solely between TJ Brinks' development firm plus his
consultants and myself as the public artist. Though Molly Eppard is new to this
project, I thank her for pushing TJ Brink to contact me directly. Though I
appreciated Mr. Brinks' late efforts at communication, as I put together the
contract, I realized that a "tight" contract cannot substitute for a solid working
relationship. So I reluctantly sent out the following emails:
TJ Brink, Molly, Todd -
I have decided to end my involvement in the Public Art component for 4
Seasons Hotel and Resort. Thought have invested many hours (self funded)
to fine tune the project, I feel that I must step away from further
participation. Regretfully, Richard Hansen
SCULPTURAL ELEMENTS
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE r
RICHARD HANSEN tiVATERMARKS r � 5007 County Rd. 123 in
Penrose, CO 81240
PH: (719)372 -3522 H
FAX: (719)549 -2120
Richard:
I am deeply saddened by your email! I thought everything was on track
and going great - what happened to change your mind? Can we work
together to keep you involved - everyone loves your work and designs.
Please let me know. TJ
TJ:
I am also disappointed. My public art work over the last 20 years has
involved working successfully with both public and private clients. The
hours I invested in recent design refinements confirm' that I was try ing to get
this project back on track. Unfortunately, even after our recent
conversations I do not feel confident working with your development
company and their consultants. I must have trust in order to realize a
successful project. Regretfully, Richard
Obviously, this has been a negative experience for me. Let's hope that the 4
Seasons development team works more closely with the next public artist.
Sincerely,
7
- ' / '
Richard Hansen