Twins, Commission work for Pine Health Care Campus.

This artwork is a sculptural relief that features walnut wood, contemporary glass mosaic, architectural rice paper and LED back lighting. An adaption of a "flint knapping" technique was used on the glass to give depth and texture to the surface. Naturally weathered wood and bark were also used as mosaic elements along with carving. Specialty LED components were used to illuminate the acrylic backed rice paper. The site for this artwork was established during the design phase. There are strong Biophilic design elements through out this building including a stone wall, numerous windows providing natural lighting and the artwork which features organic textures and colors. The site for the artwork was intended as a focal point and to counter balance the dominate stone wall. There is a general feeling of fluidity between the out doors space and the indoors space. I worked directly with the project manager of this job who delivered the artwork concepts to the committee who then shared their ideas with me. There was an interest by the committee to pay homage to the local natural ecosystem and the white pine was chosen as the emblem and representative of this landscape. The final accepted concept was an abstract rendition of twin white pines growing from a rocky craig with a sky background. The committee also asked that the artwork have a dramatic effect and be a focal point for the atrium. This was achieved through the dynamic composition and lighting effect which gives the sensation of looking through a window into a wholly different landscape. It was truly a pleasure working together with the project management team as well as the staff of Essentia Health, this is an impressive building featuring Biophilic design throughout. The initial response to the artwork has been overwhelmingly positive, as Laura Pfenninger the Essentia Health project coordinator stated “Aaron Laux’s piece, DEFINITELY created the WOW factor we were looking for in the new Essentia Health Sandstone hospital. He was great to work with and was able to meet our fast turnaround time and budget.”
“We are delighted with the ‘Twins’ art work of Aaron Laux,” states Ron Osladil, Chairman of the North Pine Area Hospital District. “This striking piece of art in our lobby is warm and inviting for patients, families, health care staff and others who visit this state-of-the-art medical facility. His work is a great compliment with the other original art work commissioned for this Campus.”