Brooks Street Sculpture: Is it the right choice?

As an artist, I respect the choices made for approving public art. My thoughts are regarding the approved statue for the Brooks St lookout.

Although this proposed statue by Andrew Meyers is wonderful- and I’ve always admired this artists work- It’s not appropriate for this vista.

The 2 main reasons are:

1) The height severely dissects the visual continuity of the Brooks St. break. It’s like someone standing up in the middle of a movie theatre while you’re trying to watch the show.

2) The representation of the surfer does not encompass every surfer that has or does surf at Brooks St. How is Taylor Pitts, our local female surfing athlete, represented here? It’s impossible to represent both male and female just as it’s practically impossible to choose amongst the many of our local Pro surfers who should be the one to stand guard the Brooks Street lookout.

I’m not opposed to having this artist amend his design, but if he does, I think it needs to go back in the submission pool and the vote taken again.

Just food for thought. Public art is ,mostly, permanent. We need to choose these pieces carefully.

Kathe Madrigal