In this photo I took in Vail, Colorado, USA in July 2024, an aspen tree and Whitaker Wind Sculpture meld together in a seamless and organic way. I like how the bean-like features of the copper “Double Helix Horizontal” wind sculpture do double-duty as the “eyes” of the aspen tree’s chalky white trunk. The dark and distinctive eye-like markings characteristic of the aspen tree are created when the branches fall from the tree as it grows. I took many photos and this one was my favorite. The bean at the top of the sculpture lines up perfectly with one of the tree’s eyes, taking on the role of the eye itself.
I first discovered Lyman Whitaker’s wind sculptures over a decade ago when I was wandering the countless art galleries on Santa Fe, New Mexico’s whimsical Canyon Road. I’ll never forget the moment a tiny forest of the spinning wind-powered sculptures emerged before me on the grounds of the Wiford Gallery, stopping me in my tracks. The mesmerizing movement put me in a momentary trance. I was simply captivated and enthralled… I’d never seen anything like it before!
Since that day in Santa Fe, I’ve happened upon Lyman Whitaker’s wind sculptures in lots of places, from the yards of friends to galleries in the USA and abroad. The Utah-based sculptor’s work extends far beyond the West and Southwest of the USA, available in art galleries in 12 different US states, Canada, and Europe. So I was not surprised that day in Vail when one popped up at Vail Village Arts. Once again, I was enthralled, but this time, not just by the sculpture itself, but by the spellbinding way it melded with the nature around it. I couldn’t resist the photo op. Some day soon, I hope to take a Whitaker Wind Sculpture home to my yard!
To learn more about Lyman Whitaker’s work, visit his website at the following link: https://www.whitakerstudio.com/
Link to Santa Fe’s Wiford Gallery: https://www.wifordgallery.com/
Link to Vail Village Arts: https://www.whitakerstudio.com/galleries/colorado/vail-village-arts/
I am not affiliated with Lyman Whitaker nor the art galleries mentioned in this post.
Enjoy what you’ve read? Subscribe to my blog by entering your e-mail address below. It is an honor to share my experiences with you!
Finding Balance on the Edge: Figure Skating & Travel Journeys by Carolyn Tir 
Really cool! Your black and white photos make the art even more dramatic! I’ve not heard of Lyman Whitaker’s work, but a quick Google shows some fascinating pieces he’s made! Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for the kind words and for stopping by! I’m glad I could introduce you to Lyman Whitaker’s work. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
The wind sculptures are mesmerising, Carolyn. I especially like Double Helix Sail. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You did your homework😊 The Double Helix Sail is the one to the right of the one in front of the aspen tree! Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful capture. I love the balance between art and nature and the black and white really suits the picture. Thanks for sharing the links for Lyman Whitaker’s work. So lovely. I wouldn’t mind having one of his wind sculptures in my yard either!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I’m so fortunate I stumbled upon this photo op. It was such a one-of-a-kind opportunity, everything coming together for a great shot. And I’m so happy I was able to introduce you to Lyman Whitaker’s work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As this is my first time hearing about Lyman Whitaker, I had to use Google to look him up and I am so glad I did! I love his beautiful wind sculptures – I can only imagine how mesmerising it must be to watch the rotation in a breeze! Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so happy I was able to share Lyman Whitaker’s work with you! Hopefully, his work will pop up more places in Europe and you can experience it in person one day. Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a great rest of the weekend 🙂
LikeLike