Passage - a closer look...

Media Kit: Sculpture Factsheet | Eric Higgs Biography

In 2006, in keeping with the theme of grand elegance at Germann Estates, Whitewing announced a large-scale sculpture commission to an international community of artists.
Eric Higgs, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was awarded the appointment among a field of over 125 applicants who presented ideas in mediums ranging from ceramic to bronze to welded metal to stainless steel, etc.

The stone for Eric's sculpture, Passage, is basalt which is an incredibly heavy, dense rock. There are only a few locations around the world where the columnar basalt used in this sculpture can be found above the ocean floor. The Passage stones were quarried in central Washington State, hauled to a yard in Seattle, and sculpted during the spring, summer, and fall of 2007. They were then transported to the Whitewing site in early February '08 and installed on a 70 x 90 ft island especially prepared to showcase the endearing and timeless qualities of this distinctive medium.

These powerful monoliths of nature were brought to life by the artistic eye and significant energy of Eric and the crew he assembled. The focal point is comprised of two vertical and two horizontal stones core-drilled to allow recirculating water. In addition to this unique water feature, Eric has accomplished an art piece that we believe also contains the largest baslt column ~ 25 feet in length, 28,000 lbs. ~ ever succesfully transformed in such a way. Altogether, a total of five vertical stones and the two horizontal lentils interact to comprise the towering yet flowing Passage.

Audio Interview with Eric Higgs

Press the gray Play button below to listen to an in-depth interview with sculptor, Eric Higgs, regarding this exclusive Whitewing commission.  Hear Eric describe his creative-process, artistic background, and the specific challenges he faced in creating Passage... 

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