We've written about ladders in sculpture before, inspired by the semi-nomadic community artist Charlie Brouwer, who creates stunning temporary sculptures out of ladders donated by the town he is in at the time.  The idea of borrowing ladders from the community helps reinforce the message of his art, which is that the total is greater than the sum of its parts and that all communities are inter-dependent on the people who make up that community, in order to create a sense of an equal and open society where people help and support each other.

This latest ladder inspired sculpture actually has no ladders in it at all, although it is the combined effort of three parties based in the community for which the sculpture is intended.  The sculpture, in Naperville, Illinois, was designed to commemorate the lives of three firefighters who died in a crash fifty years ago.  It also stands as a reminder and tribute to all the firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and for the brave firefighters serving today.

The piece was created by local artist Paul Kuhn (of Twelve Limbs Art Studio), working with Dark Moon designs, who have experience in creating public art.  The lighting was provided by Intelligent Lighting Creations, so the whole project has a collaborative feel to it that perfectly mirrors the way firefighters must work as a team when they're under pressure.

The sculpture takes the form of a firefighter who appears to be about to climb a ladder.  One foot is off the floor and both hands are reaching out to grasp the rungs in front, but there is no actual ladder.  The piece comes into its own at night, because the ladder is actually two beams of light coming from the ground.  When you can see the beams of light, you can see what the sculpture is trying to achieve and the effect is fantastic.  The lighting had to be installed before the statue was welded down, and they managed to shade the lights so that they actually emit a rectangular beam of light in the same shape as the stiles of a ladder.  The lights are LEDs, so they don't need changing very often, which is ideal as getting into the foot well of the statue is no small feat. 

This fitting tribute to firefighters past and present was a team effort, taking the seed of an idea and making it a reality thanks to teamwork and planning.  It certainly shines a new light on public art and what can be achieved through the use of clever lighting to create permanent art which can be a talking point of a community.

If Charlie Brouwer ever visits Naperville, we bet he'd love to create one of his well-known ladder sculptures nearby, perhaps even working it into this tribute sculpture to strengthen the message of the importance of community and collaboration.