About this Sculpture
- Artist: William Tye
- Medium: Bronze
- Size: 36" x 8" x 22"
Cyclists
About the Artist
Kalamazoo sculptor William (Bill) Tye was a master of bronze, crafting expressive, dynamic works using the lost-wax casting method. This traditional technique involves creating a detailed model in wax, which is then melted out and replaced with molten bronze.
“I found that wax can be modeled and manipulated so the smallest of details can be created,” Tye once said. “When transformed into bronze, a wonderful range of expressions emerge.”
Tye was especially drawn to the human form—dancers in particular. Inspired by his daughters, both professional dancers, he explored the gestures and grace of bodies in motion. His sculptures seem to echo the music and rhythms only the viewer can hear.
Cyclists were another favorite subject of Tye. These bronze figures combine the circular momentum of wheels with the angular energy of limbs, capturing the flow of movement and individuality in each rider.
Location
115 Butler St., Saugatuck, MI 49453
Experience this Sculpture
Walk around the sculpture.
Take a close look at each cyclist. What do you notice about them?
How are they positioned on the bike?
Notice how each one has a distinct expression—each face revealing a unique personality and story.
Move in closer.
All of the cyclists are balancing on a single wheel.
Why do you think the artist placed them on unicycles?
Notice how their legs intertwine.
Viewed from left to right, the figures seem to cascade into each other. What might this represent?
Take a final look at the sculpture.
The last figure is of Bill Tye himself.
He chose to include his “self-portrait” in the sculpture, placing himself not only as the artist behind the work, but also as a participant within it.
