Dreams of a Pole Vaulter

Indiana Walnut and Poplar

The sculpture titled Dreams of a Pole Vaulter  is both a personal narrative and a piece with strong Midwestern (Indiana) iconography. The personal version is about the teachings of my father, an Olympic pole-vaulter, who preached the values of discipline, optimism, and setting high goals. He passed away almost 20 years ago.  His respect and love I had (have) for him and his philosophy was the inspiration for the piece. It contains many personal references and objects.

The more universal read of the narrative is largely based on the structure of the sculpture-- two tall towers separated by a steep crevasse and connected by a bridge. The entire area is surrounded by a fence and prominently features a grandfather clock, a set of Icarus wings, a bed, and a multitude of bones. There are references to architectural details, domesticity, and human movement.

The opposing towers, one referencing time limitations and rules, the other standing for fantasy and risk-taking, together create a profile of Midwestern (Indiana) sensibilities. The bridge between the two—for travelers that seek to have both qualities—is a dangerous path, littered with the bones (history) of those that came first. However, there is a “safety net” which is the soft bed, symbolic of home, security, and all that is good. Picket fences, gates and doors direct viewers through the maze of iconography-one that Hoosiers will find familiar.