In the bustling halls of Nashville International Airport, a new artistic marvel has taken flight. Suspended from the skylights, catching the sun’s rays and casting enchanting shadows, Cie Hoover’s “Infinite Crescendos” sculpture series brings a touch of music, magic, and sustainable artistry to travelers from around the world. This awe-inspiring installation, crafted from the innovative Accoya wood, marks a harmonious blend of artistic vision and cutting-edge materials.
The Visionary Artist: Cie Hoover Nestled in the picturesque town of Ouray, Colorado, artist Cie Hoover has long been recognized for his ability to create installations that not only captivate the eye but also resonate with their surroundings. Hoover’s artistic journey is one of constant exploration, pushing the boundaries of form, material, and space.
Hoover’s work is characterized by its organic forms, often drawing inspiration from the natural world and the rhythms of music. His sculptures seem to dance in the air, inviting viewers to pause and contemplate the interplay of light, shadow, and form. It’s this unique ability to transform spaces that caught the attention of Nashville Airport’s curators, leading to the commission of “Infinite Crescendos.”
“Infinite Crescendos”: A Symphony in Wood The centerpiece of Hoover’s installation at Nashville Airport is “Infinite Crescendos,” a playful and mesmerizing composition that marries two distinct elements: the iconic Bonnaroo infinity logo and Hoover’s renowned “Crescendo” sculpture series.
The Concept The installation consists of three spirals, each cascading gracefully from the airport’s skylights. When viewed from below, these spirals align to create a perfect triangle of circles, a visual representation of harmony and continuity. This geometric precision is not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s laden with symbolism.
The infinity symbol, borrowed from the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival’s logo, represents endless possibilities and the cyclical nature of music and art. Meanwhile, Hoover’s “Crescendo” series embodies the build-up and release of musical energy. By combining these elements, “Infinite Crescendos” becomes a visual metaphor for the never-ending journey of artistic creation and appreciation.
The Material: Accoya Wood At the heart of “Infinite Crescendos” lies an innovative material choice: Accoya wood. This high-performance wood product is the result of decades of research and development, offering unparalleled durability, stability, and sustainability.
Accoya wood starts its life as fast-growing, sustainably sourced timber. Through a process called acetylation, the wood’s cellular structure is modified, enhancing its natural properties without introducing any toxic compounds. The result is a material that resists rot, defies dimensional change, and maintains its beauty for decades.
For an installation like “Infinite Crescendos,” Accoya wood offers several key advantages:
Dimensional Stability: The spiraling forms of the sculpture require a material that won’t warp or twist over time. Accoya’s exceptional dimensional stability ensures that the installation will maintain its precise geometry for years to come. Lightweight Strength: Despite its durability, Accoya is relatively light, making it ideal for suspended installations. This allows Hoover to create large, sweeping forms without putting undue stress on the airport’s infrastructure. Sustainability: As a certified environmentally friendly material, Accoya aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on sustainability in public art and architecture. Workability: Accoya retains the workability of natural wood, allowing Hoover to shape and finish the material to achieve his artistic vision. Aesthetics: The clean, light color of Accoya provides an excellent canvas for Hoover’s design, interacting beautifully with the changing natural light from the skylights.