“Ecological sustainability” a common phrase, but what does it mean in art? The Bird of Paradise Statue stands tall as a testament to this very principle.
This public art project, found here in Tampa’s Carrollwood Village Park, was conceived by Curtis Pittman and Nathanael Jenkins. The Bird of Paradise Statue is not just a pretty face. It is a 26-foot-tall tribute to wildlife and ecological balance. Its prominent placement in the southeast corner of the park makes it hard to miss.
The Bird of Paradise Statue strengthens the park’s identity. It enhances visitors’ connection to nature. It serves as a wayfinding tool and an iconic symbol. The statue brings awareness to ecological issues.
The Bird of Paradise Statue features animated pixel-mapped LED lighting. This lighting is inside the interior ribs. The colors match the sunset palette. This makes for a stunning visual display.
The Bird of Paradise Statue was completed in May 2021. It measures 12 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 27 feet high. Coated steel pipes and powder-coated steel panels form its structure. Integrated LED lighting brings it to life.
Curtis Pittman handled computer modeling and shop drawings. Grummel Engineering in Portland, Oregon provided structural engineering. Night Owl Hal Fabrication in Kelso, Washington handled the steel fabrication. Albina Pipe Co. in Tualatin, Oregon bent the pipes. Portland Powder Coating in Portland, Oregon applied the powder coating. Steel Painters, Inc. in Kelso, Washington coated the steel. Zack Wittman and Curtis Pittman were the photographers. Nathan Jenkins created the video content.
Albina bent various materials for this artwork. These included 3-inch Schedule 80 A53B ERW pipes, 4-inch Schedule 80 A53B ERW pipes, and 1 1/4-inch x 1 1/4-inch x 1/8-inch angle A36.
So, the next time you are here, remember the Bird of Paradise Statue. Remember that it is more than just a sculpture. It is a symbol of our connection to the natural world. It is a reminder of our responsibility to protect it.