Symbiosis by Frank Swanson of Littleton, CO
Frank is a stone sculptor who is known for his unique method of stone cutting. Symbiosis, defined as a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups. The Marshalltown Police and Fire Departments work in a symbiotic partnership with the community to ensure the safety, security and well-being of the city. His sculpture is designed to reflect this relationship between the three groups as they work together to make Marshalltown a thriving and flourishing community.
The sculpture started as a single block of stone that was shaped into a triangle that represents the three-sided partnership. The stone was then cut into three interlocking pieces. The three pieces fit together as one unit, representing the family of Police, Fire Fighters and Community and their relationship with each other. Each piece shapes the other pieces as they work together to form the triangulated whole. The benches were made from the off falls that come off of the sculpture when forming the basic triangle. The two large benches, surrounding the main pieces, encourage and invite people to interact with the sculpture and with each other by creating centers of conversation, focus, and inclusion.
“In a society that tears down as fast as it builds, it is my desire to leave something of permanence, a message to the future that we were here and that we were conscious of building great and thoughtful culture, both for its own soul and as a foundation upon which future generations could build. I want to create sculpture that will, in the future, stimulate questions that have not yet been asked, and this is what excites me about creating public art”. – Frank Swanson
Frank's Website
Budget: $55,000
Details: All 5 pieces of the sculpture were cut from the same single stone. The artist used Colorado Granite from the last family owned quarry in the country. The stone was delivered to his studio weighing 11,000 pounds! The color of the granite is called: Colorado Rose Red.
Project Goals:
• Exemplify service, honor, and unity
• Represent respect and pride for the community
• Create an impact for, and compliment the distinct qualities of, the Linn Creek District
Selection Committee:
Bill Martin, Alicia Hunter, Chief Rierson, Ben Fletcher, Conney Schutte, Justin Sorensen, Wendy Soltero, Heidi Dalal and Amber Danielson.
Installed: November 6th, 2020
Funded by: The City of Marshalltown
The sculpture started as a single block of stone that was shaped into a triangle that represents the three-sided partnership. The stone was then cut into three interlocking pieces. The three pieces fit together as one unit, representing the family of Police, Fire Fighters and Community and their relationship with each other. Each piece shapes the other pieces as they work together to form the triangulated whole. The benches were made from the off falls that come off of the sculpture when forming the basic triangle. The two large benches, surrounding the main pieces, encourage and invite people to interact with the sculpture and with each other by creating centers of conversation, focus, and inclusion.
“In a society that tears down as fast as it builds, it is my desire to leave something of permanence, a message to the future that we were here and that we were conscious of building great and thoughtful culture, both for its own soul and as a foundation upon which future generations could build. I want to create sculpture that will, in the future, stimulate questions that have not yet been asked, and this is what excites me about creating public art”. – Frank Swanson
Frank's Website
Budget: $55,000
Details: All 5 pieces of the sculpture were cut from the same single stone. The artist used Colorado Granite from the last family owned quarry in the country. The stone was delivered to his studio weighing 11,000 pounds! The color of the granite is called: Colorado Rose Red.
Project Goals:
• Exemplify service, honor, and unity
• Represent respect and pride for the community
• Create an impact for, and compliment the distinct qualities of, the Linn Creek District
Selection Committee:
Bill Martin, Alicia Hunter, Chief Rierson, Ben Fletcher, Conney Schutte, Justin Sorensen, Wendy Soltero, Heidi Dalal and Amber Danielson.
Installed: November 6th, 2020
Funded by: The City of Marshalltown
