"Eternal Wind"
by Nobuyo Okuda
(Bachelor of Fine Arts,
Class of 1984, Boise State University)
Framing the Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge across the Boise River.
The Special Collections and Archives of Boise State University (BSU) keeps a data base of important materials and artifacts that make up BSU's history as well as that of Boise City, and the State of Idaho itself. Among others, they keep a list of remarkable works of art that abound the campus. One such remarkable work that catches attention when exploring the campus is the work of sculptor, Nobuyo Okuda, a graduate of the BSU School of Arts (BA Fine Arts, Class of 1984).
The work is composed of two half circles made of stainless steel, joined at a single point and supporting each other where they are joined. The two half circles then extend gracefully beyond the point of full contact. As such, it is a remarkably minimalist number that shows how geometry and physics are used in artistic creations but seems insignificant the first time one sees it... at least, by those who prefer things from the perspective of pragmatism and functionality. However, as one studies the origin of the sculpture, one can fully appreciate its significance.
The sculpture was donated by Robert Hay to BSU in honor of his wife, Janet Hay, who
served for three terms in the State of Idaho Legislature, representing Nampa; championing education as member of the Idaho State Board of Education. As such, the sculpture is also referred to as "Janet Hay Memorial". To pay tribute to Janet Hay's advocacy, Okuda created a piece that symbolizes the "student-teacher relationship" in teaching-learning process. Each half circle, which represents either the student or the teacher, stands incomplete and insignificant. However, as the half-circles are joined fully at one point - in an education institution where learning takes place - they stand beautifully, completing each other... taking flight to extend gracefully to reach the other end... until one can no longer distinguish where the structure begins and where it ends, hence, the "eternal" nature of the relationship that they symbolize. And, as they seem to move to reach each other in a circular motion, they generate "eternal wind"... in the same way that the effective teaching-learning process in an excellent student-teacher relationship can eternally generate useful information that is cultivated to bear knowledge... and nurtured to shape into wisdom. Indeed, it is a beautiful symbol of student-teacher relationship and that process of teaching-learning... not just in an academic institution setting, but in life itself! After all, we all have most beloved mentors in our lives... and in what we do in our vocations and professions... who guide us, inspire us and keep us motivated to do well.
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| "Eternal Wind" with the Administration Building of Boise State University. |
To me, it is an added point that the "Eternal Wind" is located in a place where, at an angle from one side, the circle frames the "Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge", which connects the campus with downtown Boise that are separated by the Boise River. From the opposite side, the sculpture serves as a circular frame for the Administration Building, which is quite remarkable, too. The sculpture is also installed in a circular plaza between the Albertsons Library and the College of Arts and the Sciences where students can hangout. I spent many hours reading in that plaza... or simply, namjooning, waiting for the sunset so I can view it from the Friendship Bridge where the sun's fingers spread across the river one last time in a given day as it sinks into the horizon. Again, beautiful!
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Photo credit: I took all photos in this post and processed them solely for this post.
References: Special Collection and Archives of Boise State University (news writer - Rachel Taylor, 2019); The Arbiter, 06 October 1999.
Footnote: "Namjooning" - per BTS explanation, it is the "act of living as Kim Nam-Joon. This includes taking walks through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends" (Reference: Click here.). Kim Nam-Joon, also known as "RM" (short for, originally, "Rap Monster"), is the leader of the South Korean group, BTS.
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