Elan Vital

Forged & fabricated painted steel, 20' x 5' x 7'

Fairhope was founded as a utopian community in 1908. Today it’s a resort destination with an exceptionally charming and laid-back atmosphere. I designed the piece before visiting, relying on my knowledge of the Gulf Coast region, and the spirit of the place that I could discern from a distance. Upon my first trip there to present the design, I thought to myself, “This is some sort of Jimmy Buffet place.” At the dedication of the piece after it was installed, I learned Fairhope is the hometown of this American singer-songwriter.   

Commissioned by the Eastern Shore Arts Center for the Civic Center of Fairhope, Alabama (National competition, 2002)