Bell Chimes
By Paolo Soleri, WIlliam Conrad Severson and Vernon D. Gross
Category: Sculpture
About
Meant to supply a “sound feature” in the garden for the blind, this piece is intentionally interactive. The public is invited to play the bells and if the wind is strong enough it will also make them ring. While the bells were designed by Soleri, the structure was a joint effort of two local artists, Severson and Gross. They intended the structure to have as much importance as the bells and stated that they wanted it to be able “to stand on its own.”
For more information visit the Missouri Botanical Garden website.
Dimensions: 10′
Year Completed: 1986
Material: Bronze
Owner: Missouri Botanical Garden
About the artist:
Paolo Soleri, WIlliam Conrad Severson and Vernon D. Gross
Paolo Soleri b. 1919, William C. Severson 1924-1999, Vernon D. Gross b. 1953
Born in Turin, Italy, Paolo Soleri studied architecture and served two years under Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesen West, Arizona. Since the 1950’s he has been developing innovative construction techniques for high-density, low-environmental impact communities. William Conrad Severson was born in Madison, Wisconsin, studied at Syracuse University, and became assistant to Ivan Mestrovic at Notre Dame University. In his Chesterfield studio, St. Louis County, Severson has done sculpture for churches, industrial courts, business sites, and plazas. A Saint Louis native, Vernon D. Gross studied sculpture and metalsmithing at Washington University. Gross’ work ranges from jewelry to large institutional and public pieces.