A curious sculpture graces Austin’s roadside. It’s known as the Fork in the Road Installation. What’s the story behind this quirky roadside attraction? The Fork in the Road Installation isn’t just some random art piece. It’s a testament to a man’s life, a quirky engineer named Andrew P. Covar. He built it in the early 2000s in a friend’s yard known for its eccentric displays. This yard, belonging to Aralyn Hughes, even had a pig named Ara. Andy, as he was known, was a creative soul. He coined the term “Dillo Dirt” for Austin’s compost. He had a passion for projects.
The Fork in the Road began as a simple idea. A concrete mobile. Andy and his engineer friends mixed concrete bag by bag. They hauled it in his Nissan Sentra, ultimately ruining the car’s suspension. They built a frame of rebar and wood, then covered it with metal mesh and stucco. Atop it all sits a Calder-inspired mobile, two red blobs dancing in the wind. For years, people passing by wondered about the sculpture. Was it a bike? A fertility symbol? A tribute to Lance Armstrong? The answer is surprisingly simple. It’s a bird. A yellow bird. Andy’s daughters confirmed his vision. He didn’t mind if others saw something different. He welcomed their interpretations.
There’s a poignant layer to the Fork in the Road’s story. Shortly after its completion, Andy received a devastating diagnosis. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 57. The sculpture became more than just art. It was a tangible piece of himself. A legacy against the fading memories. His daughters believe he felt himself fading. He needed to create something permanent. Something that would remain. A mark on the city he loved. The Fork in the Road is a monument. A reminder of Andy’s presence. A symbol of the human desire to leave a lasting impression.
So, the next time you pass the Fork in the Road Installation, remember Andy. Remember his yellow bird and the poignant story it carries. It’s a reminder to create. To make your mark on the world. Before it’s too late.