In this video, Sterling Rathsack, Art Instructor at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, provides insight into the Jacks Path sculpture he was commissioned to create through the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places program. The video features Sterling in his own words to explain the background, significance, inspirations, and thought process behind his work. The end result is a wonderful memorial to Lester Jack Briggs, and provides a place of solitude and reflection on campus. This video was created by FDLTCC student Chris Brown during a volunteer internship project in the colleges Public Information Department. In addition to the video, below is the official description of Jacks Path. Jacks Path is the permanent memorial on campus that honors the late Lester Jack Briggs, the first president of the college. The memorial remembers Briggs and his leadership during the formative years of the college, his accomplishments, and the long-reaching effect he had touching people’s lives. Briggs served as president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College from its inception in 1987 until his passing in December 2001. Created by artist Sterling Rathsack, a sculptor and painter from Superior, Wisconsin, the memorial includes four 600-pound bronze sculptures. Nestled among the trees on the north side of the campus, the site is a quietly stated marker of Briggs personal background and professional service. The memorial provides a location for reflection, remembrance, and inspiration. The development of the iconography on the sculptures was created from the ideas generated by Briggs family, college students, college employees and friends as they related their experiences and stories about Jack. One piece is highlighted by a sleeping bear, a symbol of the soul. One features a turtle image, which is representative of the creation stories of Ojibwe culture. Another indicates the four compass directions, and the fourth sculpture contains an inscription about Briggs, and serves as a basin for offerings. The four sculptures are made from recycled materials. Rathsack chose recycled materials because of Briggs philosophy to help people succeed, especially people in need of a second chance at something. Many people explained stories about how Jack promoted getting the full potential out of things, whether it was a person or materials. The artist felt it was important to use recycled materials in the project, to emphasize giving something a second chance and a new life.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 21:39:15 +0000
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