Crossed Currents (1999) 

Don Merkt

DESCRIPTION:   two stainless steel sculptures:
  • 28-foot high by 8-foot kinetic stainless steel and steel mesh sculpture
  • 4-foot high stainless steel sculpture


Merkt's mammoth water vessel sculpture pays tribute to the nearby Ballona Creek and includes the kinetic feature of sculptural 'air bubbles' suspended inside the vessel that respond to wind movement.  The sculpture was a winning entry in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Liquid Art contest.  The second stainless steel sculpture, also attributed to Merkt, is designed as a fountain element (inactive).
From Culver City:  "Crossed Currents pays homage to Ballona Creek and its importance to the native inhabitants (Gabrielino/Tongva) of the region. The creek provided fresh water and served as a conduit for ocean breezes. Wind and water are realized as themes in this artwork on several levels: the single water droplet spilling over the lip of the jug into the creek and the wind moving the water bubbles suspended inside the jug."  - Culver City Public Art  
LOCATION:  at Ballona Creek, Culver City Transportation Facility, 4343 Duquesne Avenue, Culver City, California, USA
SECOND SCULPTURE NEAR THE TRANSPORTATION FACILITY ENTRANCE: