Water Spirits of
the Doodem
"Based on the Native and Meso–American idea of Turtle Island, where land emerges from infinite waters upon the back of a turtle, this granite fountain features a stylized fish, a turtle spouting water, and a crow who gazes upon the drinker."
(City of Minneapolis New Public Art Works brochure, 2009)
Water of the Doodem Spirits, granite (72” x 30” x 48”). Drinking fountain commissioned by the City of Minneapolis. Minneapolis, Minnesota. This work references the Turtle Island creation story and honors nearby Native American communities. It also honors Native peoples more broadly and connects personally to the artist, recognizing a similar story in the Maya tradition. Overall, the piece celebrates the City of Lakes and the link between water and community.
This work is an example of engaging and high quality stone carving. The creation of this fountain required extensive work with city planners and other professionals, detailed engineering drawings were submitted for architectural and engineering review of particular note were the plumbing and footing details. Stainless steel plumbing connections were designed and fabricated by the artist to connect to high quality fountain components such that the integrity of the design as well as the fountain’s ADA compliant practical function were maintained.
