A ceiling mosaic designed from the acute perspective of looking up along birch trunks in the northern, boreal forest. The different thicknesses of glass smalti, various marble and granite pieces create a rich, complex surface that responds to the changing light in the clerestory. The irregular cut surfaces of the smalti sparkle with reflected light. The matte surfaces of the stone provide soft reflection yet monumental sensibilities to the tree trunks.
The sightlines for viewing the ceiling are such that those traversing the area do not see up into this space until nearly under the ceiling Knuckle Clerestory. This architectural detail provides the opportunity for the visual surprise of Canopy. The mosaic-covered column provides a subtle clue of the ceiling’s surprise. From afar the column is an abstract design, but placed within the context of the ceiling, its singular pattern, texture, and color, the column becomes a birch tree trunk.
The artists collaborated on this project over three years from their studios in different cities – Anchorage and Fairbanks. Woodward is a landscape painter and Wyne is a sculptor & theatre set designer. They worked with Franz Mayer of Munich to select and compose the smalti and stone pieces.
Location: South Terminal Clerestory
