There is a traffic Island just outside the entrance to Elmendorf Lake Park on Commerce Street. It acted as a barrier to the community using the park along Apache Creek, in the shadow of Our Lady of the Lake University. This installation, “Aguas Onduladas” (Rippling Waters), was opened in June, 2019. It was designed by RDG Dahlquist Art Studio collaborating with poet Carmen Tafolla.
The artwork, comprised of three cut stainless steel waves, honors the natural elements with a pattern cut into the metal that resembles rippling water. The finish of the stainless steel provides a reflection of the viewers and light as if they were looking into water. The largest wave stands 12 feet at its tallest point. The smallest wave is three feet at the shortest point,
Excerpts of Tafolla’s poems, “Cada Sueño” and “River Music,” can be read by pedestrians as they walk through the sculptures to or from the park.
Que no se le olvide a mi pueblo
el oro en su piel canela
que tanto ha aguantado,
el acero en su valentina
que tanta lucha ha sobrevivido
y la musica quebrila en sus ojos
en cada sueño, cada vision,
cada deseo que susrra,
Si puedes.
Let not my people
forget the gold hidden
in their cinnamon skin
that has withstood
so much for so long,
the steel in their
courage that has
survived so many
struggles and the music
shining from their
eyes in each dream,
each vision, each desire that
whispers to them,
yes you can.
The artwork is lit from within allowing safe passage across the triangle on foot and an illuminated landmark for drivers at night.
