Located outside the J. Eugene Smith Library

Sunbench (1998) by Clyde Lynds sits near the entrance of the Eugene Smith Library inviting the community into this space physically and metaphorically. Lynds has created a bench that serves as a gateway to imagination and creativity and by echoing architectural elements of the library’s front entrance, namely the curved back of the bench, makes a subtle connection to the library architecture. At night the bench illuminates internally revealing forms of micro- and macrocosmic scale. Because the alighted forms change over a 2 week cycle, the viewer is compelled to experience the art in time as well as space. Depending on where in the cycle the fiber optics program is, you might see early life forms or cosmic elements found in the night sky. Lynds’ forms represent the breadth of knowledge associated with learning and the library. To underscore this point, he includes (the prominent Statesman and Orator) Daniel Webster’s quote, "Knowledge is the great sun in the firmament. Life and power are scattered in all its beams." In addition to the light and forms that we see at night, the bench’s curved shape and the radiating lines and textures visible during the day maintain a visual connection to Webster’s words.

Sunbench brings disparate concepts together. By day, the textured, raw charm of the concrete bench is apparent and speaks to the historical significance of the library. As the sky dims, fiber optics alight the sculpture internally transforming it to a more contemporary art form, suggesting a forward looking, technology-oriented facility. As such, Lynds also combines art with science and darkness with light in this sculpture. Notice, too, that Sunbench’s arched back recapitulates the architectural arch over the library door.

“Describing an artwork in words is much like describing writing with an artwork. The intangible is the real essence and that is invariably lost in translation.” - CL