About this Sculpture
- Artist: Zack Wallerius with help from Cynthia McKean
- Medium: Painted Aluminum
- Size: 60" x 60" x 128"
Not Sevens
About the Artist
While attending Saugatuck High School, Zack Wallerius won a competition to design a steel sculpture. This large-scale project was created by Wallerius with supervision from local artist Cynthia McKean and hands-on assistance from the high school’s metals teacher and students in the Industrial Arts Department.
To begin the process, Wallerius built a full-scale model that served as the blueprint for fabricating the sculpture’s three angled arms. He learned to use a torch to cut out the pierced geometric shapes in each piece and polished the edges with help from a group of fellow students.
As the work came together, his friends often asked about the meaning behind the three elements—each one resembling the number seven. Growing tired of lengthy explanations about form and design, Wallerius gave the piece its playful title: Not Sevens.
Location
401 Elizabeth St., Saugatuck, MI 49453
Experience this Sculpture
Walk around the sculpture.
The three tall forms emerge from the ground at an angle, suggesting that they have grown as natural forms.
Each form relates to the others, as if they are speaking to each other.
The variation in size gives each piece a different presence, with larger elements feeling more powerful. The change in direction on each form conveys they are disconnected.
Step in closer.
Examine the geometric cutouts on each form. What do you notice?
What is the same about them?
Many of the shapes are square with a jutting form. How do these internal cutout shapes relate to the larger piece?
Now step back again.
Look at how each form is balanced, even though they are placed on the ground at an angle.
How did the artist know that these forms would stay in place?
How does the blue color connect to the shapes?
Think about your emotional response. What does this piece make you feel?
