Cloud Cavu

A Public Art Installation Located at Mt. Hood Ave. MAX light rail station on Tri-Met's Red Line - Portland, OR - 15’h x 13’w x 8’d - 2011

This sculptural paean to PDX is composed of brushed aluminum and stainless steel. Part aeronautic wing, part voluminous cloud, "Cloud Cavu"* is formed around the experience of arriving and departing by plane through Portland's cloud-filled winter sky. Riding MAX to and from the airport one passes the sculpture with its allusion to take-off and descent, touching down with a cluster of tilted, stainless steel rain-columns. The smooth metallic belly echoes the shape of a polished upturned wing or fish belly and an opening provides a glimpse of luminous blue beyond. The top and sides are matte, brushed, bolted patterns of turbulence, wind shear and laminar flow.

*c.a.v.u. is an aviation term meaning: ceiling and visibility unlimited