S.S. SilverWood DryDock
S.S. SilverWood DryDock - Larson with Grass. Silverwood Park, Three Rivers Park System, St. Anthony, MN. 2014. Found Vintage Boats, Cedar Planking & Docking, Steel Pipes, Metal Hardware, Diamond Pier Footings. Size Varies: 60 x 60 x 12 feet. Interior Dock: 8 x 8 feet. Overall site diameter appx. 80 feet.
The S.S. SilverWood DryDock is a site-specific found wooden boat sculpture reflecting upon human interaction within a traditional dry dock ecosystem, questioning notions of natural decay and organic shape shifting during typical seasonal change. The idiosyncratic DryDock boat and structure components, nestled within the park ecosystem, become natural nesting and resting point habitats for many avian species, small critters, and tiny crawlies.
The DryDock boats align NSEW with cardinal directions, forming a compass and nature observatory, and snow and rainwater flows through each forming small waterfalls and icicles. The four midwestern boats found online: GarWood, Thompson, Larson & Hugo. An interior 8 x 8 foot wooden dock platform allowed for 360-degree viewing, small log boat engagement workshops, and community participation. Placed on the hill of former Salvation Army commandant’s quarters overlooking the park, a pond, and a lake.
Pete Driessen credits Silverwood Art Park, Three Rivers Park System, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and others for their financial support of this site specific sculpture and public art project.