4.2. SR BEAUTIFICATION & PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE 11-20-2023

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CAREY DEAN 1661 Edmund Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104 carey2d@yahoo.com, 612.889.6228 CITY OF ELK RIVER RFP PUBLIC ART A) General Information / Artist Statement As a Minnesota based mid-career artist my work is deeply inspired by Midwestern landscapes, specifically forests, bodies of water and the dramatic seasonal changes of the region. My artwork typically takes the form of stained glass or tile contemporary mosaic. The intent behind my work is to capture the beauty of nature, create an emotional response from the viewer and promote a sense of pride of place. My water themed and tree series mosaics which have been my most sought after work are not only inspired by unique landscapes but also the Japanese philosophy and medical treatment called “forest bathing” developed in the 1980’s wherein trees are believed to have healing and calming powers known to relieve stress, anxiety and lower heart rate and blood pressure. My mosaics have been purchased for several regional hospitals and I am currently creating two large-scale mosaics for the Valet Lounge remodel at Terminal 1 MSP International Airport. As an artist I strongly believe that images of nature, particularly in large-scale format can enhance public spaces not only aesthetically but can also positively impact viewers physically and mentally. My glass mosaics are made by traditional cold-working techniques yet my approach to mosaic is unique. As a trained oil painter, I consider my mosaics paintings with glass. I utilize the swirls of colors and variations of markings found in large sheets of glass to create my images. I do not work from a set template but rather the images evolve from the piecing together of a variety of shapes to form an overall image; just as layers of brushstrokes create a painting. Some of my work is depictions of actual places such as State or National Parks while others are collaged images from real and imagined places creating an overall impression of a specific place. My mosaics are a reflection of my love for nature and the Minnesota landscape. For this particular RFP I am interested in creating a large-scale stained glass mosaic as a permanent public art piece for the city of Elk River. I am proposing a mosaic that depicts a recognizable or significant location along the Red River Ox Cart Trail in Elk River. I am very interested in a location near or at the point where riverboats brought early settlers and travelers to the area. If chosen for the project I would meet with local historians and or long term residents of Elk River who could give me insight on the area adding depth to the artwork. The mosaic would highlight the natural beauty of the area, the importance of the river to the town and the specific location that brought the city’s earliest European settlers. A second concept would be a contemporary abstract composition representing the power and force of the river.