Layers (2016)

Christian Huizenga

9680 Alexandra Rd

Area: East Richmond
Location: The artwork is along the south side of the sidewalk along Alexandra Road east of May Drive.

Materials: Steel, paint, Alchemilla Erythropoda, Tolmeia Menziesii ‘Cool Gold’, Heuchera ‘Marmalade’, Geranium Renardii

Program: Private
Ownership: Civic
Sponsored By: Am-Pri Development (2012) Ltd
Also Known As: Layers

Description of Work

Layers is a sculptural guard rail that partially forms the perimeter of an ecological corridor. Through the repetition of hand-cut flat plate steel surfaces and straight steel rods, an organic layered form emerges.

Artist Statement

Layers is a reflection on one of Richmond’s most important resources: soil. Soil plays a key role

in Richmond’s history, economy and vitality. It is because of soil, made up of diverse organisms

and minerals, that a thriving natural ecosystem and wildlife habitat can exist, and does within the Alexandra Road Greenway. The work is a continuous garden, railing, and bench, inspired by the rich aggregation of sediment layers, upon which Richmond is built. By defining the greenway, Layers draws emphasis to the continued preservation of green spaces within densifying cities.