The artist’s idea
Why clouds in the Lincoln District?
These clouds are about aspiration: the hopes people hold for their community.
Horatio Law’s idea grew from a conversation with Lincoln High School’s principal about the aspirations of his students. Community workshops helped develop the theme.
Law chose clouds for a neighborhood whose people and cultures continue to change. The forms connect traditional cloud motifs with contemporary thought and text bubbles—an image of imagination and optimism shared across the district. The sequins reflect daylight, and lighting illuminates the clouds after dark.
Horatio Hung-Yan Law · Artist & concept
01 /Cloud gateway
Fabrication and installation
We fabricated and welded the cloud structures, which were then covered in reflective sequins. These photos follow the assemblies from transport to installation above the street.
02 /Cloud gateway detail
Stainless steel discs
Each 1½-inch-diameter disc is cut from 18-gauge 304 stainless steel. A ⅛-inch hole drilled at the top accepts a 304 stainless steel 6-32 shoulder bolt.
03 /Fabrication
Building the cloud columns
We fabricated the columns from cut-metal cylindrical forms. The open patterns reveal the layers inside, and blue lighting illuminates the finished columns at night.
04 /Lincoln International District
The two lantern sculptures
We fabricated two sculptures with three lanterns each, using the same lantern style as the district’s streetlights. They stand on opposite sides of the road at the entrance.
Two sculptures · Three lanterns on each · Fabricated by Western Iron Works
