In the final month of 2021 we wrapped up installation of Donald Lipski’s latest work of public art entitled The Goldfinch. This larger than life songbird greets visitors to the South Loop district while referencing the neighboring Minnesota Valley Natural Wildlife Refuge, which is a stop in the migration of over 200 species of birds.
Artist rendering of The Goldfinch.
“As Bloomington is a wildly diverse community, I found the idea of migrating birds rather poetic.”
With the help of experts at the Refuge, Lipski suggested 10 different songbirds, and after a public vote was taken the winner was selected: The Goldfinch.
Lipski partnered with Philadelphia based sculptor Christopher Collins to sculpt the Goldfinch, building on their history of past collaborations including: Spot!, The Nest, and The Three Clans.
Christopher Collins pictured with the model of The Goldfinch.
Painted model courtesy of Christopher Collins.
Once the model was complete it was enlarged in foam.
Foam enlargement of the original clay model.
Then a mold was created to cast the final fiberglass sculpture.
Mold along with the fiberglass sculpture.
Finishing touches on interior elements and connections being made.
Detail showing a portion of the interior of the fiberglass sculpture and the connection point between the sculpture and the sign.
Final fiberglass sculpture before paint.
Then it was on to painting the goldfinch, adding to the illusion of its feathered form.
Final painting being performed.
The final painted fiberglass goldfinch sculpture.
Detail of the final painted fiberglass goldfinch head.
Detail of the final painted fiberglass wings showing the transition into the goldfinch’s tail feathers.
Detail of the final painted fiberglass goldfinch feet.
Meanwhile the CORTEN steel sign with stainless steel stand-off lettering that the goldfinch perches atop were being fabricated.
The CORTEN steel sign prior to the application of the rust accelerator.
Detail of the sign showing the stand-off lettering.
Detail of the sign showing the stand-off lettering.
Then it was time for the goldfinch and the sign to make their way to the installation site in Bloomington, MN. We can only imagine the curious looks our feathered friend got on the road.
The goldfinch loaded on the trailer, ready for its trip to Bloomington, MN.
Despite the cold, snowy weather these two pieces came together beautifully during installation, creating a welcoming gateway for visitors to the South Loop district.
The goldfinch being craned from the truck into position.
The goldfinch in place, perched atop the sign.
Finishing up final detailing work.
John Grant and Nick Geurts in front of The Goldfinch post a successful installation.
The Goldfinch, Donald Lipski, 2021