Deep In the Roots of Texas

“Deep in the Roots of Texas”, is a sculpture created to honor the San Antonio Art League for their impact and commitment to supporting artists, as well as their continuing role in nurturing our community through history, creativity, and culture.
This sculpture symbolizes the importance of foundation, collaboration, and connection. All important elements that we need to keep thriving as a community. At the bottom of the sculpture is a sprouting bud of an Indian paintbrush flower, a species that relies on surrounding plants for nutrients to grow and survive. They are often found growing alongside bluebonnets in our Texas landscape.
The Indian paintbrush represents the artist and their need for connection, support, and a strong foundation for growth. Towering over the sprouted Indian paintbrush flower is a large bluebonnet, not only a symbol of our Lone Star State, but also a representation of the San Antonio Art League. Like the bluebonnet that provides a foundation for the Indian paintbrush flower to flourish in its environment, the Art League also provides a foundation for many artists in our community to grow, connect, and thrive.
At the base of the sculpture is also a small metal human figure with a butterfly resting on the edge of its hand. The figure’s chest opens to reveal a glowing metal heart, illuminated at night by a solar powered light. This heart reflects the vulnerability, passion for creativity, and the emotional core of the artist, while the butterfly represents beauty in connection ,transformation and growth.