Art is everywhere in Santa Fe. But nowhere is this more apparent than on Canyon Rd., the heart of the town’s gallery scene.
courtesy of Box Studio
Rising Peace with artist Kevin Box
Among the many notable artists exhibiting here is Kevin Box, whose origami-like pieces always attract attention.
Box works with bronze and stainless steel cast forms derived from folded paper creations, or origami. Each piece goes through a 35-step, 12-week process of lost wax casting with the assistance of fine art foundry and fabrication teams. Forged by hand, the sculpture is completed with finishes that “return to the look of paper.”
For more of Box’s work, head to Origami in the Garden, just thirty minutes from the city. Box and his wife Jennifer co-created this exhibition and also plan other exhibits of Box’s work that travel cross-country to various botanical gardens.
The idea to bring the sculptures to gardens stemmed from the couple’s desire to reach a broader audience through public art. People aren’t intimidated by gardens. Maybe they might not choose to go into a gallery or museum, but a garden is very approachable. And the artwork seamlessly fits into these settings.
Numerous, larger-than-life sculptures greet you upon entering Origami in the Garden. There’s everything from painted ponies galloping across the field, a winged horse taking flight, colorful bouquets of flowers, cute bunnies and more. An explanation about each jaw-dropping piece is provided.
In “Caravan” there’s a tortoise who’s carrying a rabbit on his back and a crane atop a branch. From the branch, which the rabbit holds, dangles a carrot to encourage the tortoise to keep going. The rabbit could get to its destination quicker than the tortoise, as could the crane, but they’re working together to reach their destination.
“Paper Navigators” depicts several boats, like those you made out of paper as a kid and then floated in the water. The artist informs viewers that the idea for these pieces stemmed from Polynesian explorers and their challenging voyages.
In “Seed and Seed Sower,” a squirrel sits atop a post and nearby is an acorn on the ground. The oak tree provides food and shelter for squirrels, who in turn bury the acorns to feast on later. But they leave some as seeds to grow into new trees.
A woman’s dress form is the subject of “Carried Away.” It has cut-outs of butterflies that have been released from the dress to help lift the woman up and carry her away “in loveliness, possibility, and lightness of spirit.” Go behind the piece and see the inside of the dress, which has been left in its golden bronze state, allowing us to glimpse her inner beauty.
Deb Stone
Hero's Horse, Origami in the Garden
You can’t miss “Hero’s Horse,” a ginormous winged Pegasus. This mythological creature was sent by the gods to help the hero save the world.
Before leaving, stop in the main office building to see a miniature version of “Hero’s Horse,” along with the single piece of paper (in metal form) used in the origami process. Note the many creases and folds needed to create this horse.
Explore more at origamiinthegarden.com. Plan your trip at santafe.org.