A Place of Origins

Project Facts:

• The artwork is a semi-permanent graphic application to a large-scale shade canopy
• The artwork is located in Phase 2, just north of Camp St
• The artwork is inspired by the writings of John Phillip Santos
• The installation is scheduled to be complete in spring 2023

Artist Statement: A Place of Origins is inspired by A Creek Tells its Story by John Phillip Santos.  In it, Santos writes that the Aztecs called their original homeland “The Place of Herons.”  Van Kirk was immediately inspired by those words, noting that San Pedro Creek is also home to the beautiful herons. She was also inspired by the surrounding architecture; one panel features abstract birds in flight that pay homage to the shape of Ruby City, San Antonio’s newest contemporary art museum.

Van Kirk’s designs are sewn onto the tensile fabric of the shade canopy.  Viewed from the underside of the canopy, the imagery slowly emerges as visitors approach the structure.  As the canopy needs to be replaced (approximately 10 years), new artists will be invited to create their own artwork.

About the Artist: Rikkianne Van Kirk is inspired by the rich past of found materials. Her deep appreciation for the history of these materials and her illustrative take on them has been shared worldwide. Van Kirk’s pieces strive to embrace the simplicity and imperfection of the hand drawn line. Ultimately breathing life into something old, something forgotten, something sentimental.  www.rikkiannevankirk.com