Orchid Mobile was designed by Henry Loustau for Longwood Gardens in Kennett Sqaure, PA. It is fabricated from stainless steel and powder-coated. The flowers are white Phalaenopsis. Photo credit: Longwood Gardens, Larry Albee

"Constellation"

polychrome steel

one of three sculptures for SEPTA station

Collaborative Project with Erica Loustau

Several visits to the 52nd Street neighborhood revealed one dramatic observation about the community’s response to the “time” theme for art in the train station. Community members were more interested in the symbolic meaning of time, rather than the literal meaning. Our design celebrates the symbolism of time. It reflects the complex layering within a community that evolves over time, and the hopeful optimism that accompanies the future that time will provide.

 “Literal time” is important to almost everyone who travels by train for work, play, or the many other activities that fill our daily lives. Clock imagery in the form of a clock face, hands, numerals and pendulums make specific references to this aspect of time. The use of interlocking gear wheels suggests not only the interior mechanisms within a clock, but also the complex interactions within an urban community. A peek within an older-style clock will reveal multiple layers of gears, levers and other mysterious devices that enable a timepiece to maintain order. What looks chaotic inside your trusty old, wind-up alarm clock is actually a sophisticated system that measures time with amazing accuracy. Communities have similar characteristics with many interactions between diverse members. A community has layers that often go beyond the superficial appearances that are revealed at first glance. Communities often appear chaotic (and sometimes they are), but upon closer observation one discovers subtle mechanisms that propel, regulate, and transform that same community.

By deconstructing the familiar clock into an energetic composition and adding suns,
moons and other grand symbols of time we represented time as an exciting, mysterious, and dynamic force within the 52nd Street community. Color will is an important element of the design. We selected many lively colors that separate these sculptural compositions from the architecture of the station. At the same time, we complemented the subtle and attractive color choices that exist with the materials that were used to build the station.

"Before, Now, Tomorrow"

polychrome steel

one of three sculptures for SEPTA station

"Onward and Upward"

polychrome steel

one of three sculptures for SEPTA station

"The Four Freedoms"

"The Four Freedoms" is installed on the grounds of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York.

A Kinetic Sculpture

A renewed interest in freedom and its role in our complex world were the inspirations for this dramatic, kinetic form. The sculpture’s use of red, white, and blue…with golden stars and bold stripes…makes a familiar reference to patriotic American themes. The lower part of the sculpture is a swirl of glistening metallic elements that attempt to capture the heroic spirit of the Roosevelt legacy.

Each of the Four Freedoms is etched into the base of the sculpture. A small bronze symbol accompanies each Freedom. These symbols are a gesture toward making the concepts more accessible to young children. The upper part of the sculpture takes the shape of the numeral four. When the wind blows this upper structure will rotate like a weather vane or a sailboat. Two sets of propellers and a large horizontal whirligig keep the sculpture in nearly perpetual motion. The kinetic nature of this sculpture and its bold graphics attract viewers to it. Children of all ages come closer to see how it works. They are introduced to, or reacquainted with, the concept of the Four Freedoms. The sculpture honors Franklin Delano Roosevelt by making subtle references to selected themes from his complex and inspiring personal history. A light in the base creates dramatic effects at night.

"Up, Down, All Around "

Interactive Kinetic Sculpture at The Strong Museum, Rochester, NY

Playing has a lot in common with creating art. Both processes include exploration, discovery, taking chances, solving problems, and the occasional expression of a personal style. When a small child fumbles with brightly colored toys, that child is performing some of these functions. An experienced artist continues to practice these same skills. My best art is always the result of me having fun!

"Working Bank"

Ocean County Public Library, Toms River, New Jersey

Butterflies flutter, birds spin, lights go on, and a unicyclist starts peddling atop a huge wheel - all for a contribution... The artist/sculptor, Henry Loustau, has addressed himself to the art of collecting admission contributions. He has created a series of sculptures that respond with various motions, sounds and visual effects and are located in the lobbies of public institutions for the purpose of admission collection. These unusual pieces are both colorful and are articulated in a manner that gratifies the contributor, both young and old alike.

"House With A Good View"

Cast bronze

The “little house in a vast landscape” is an image that has entertained me for quite some time.

Where is this place? Who lives here? Why is this happening? What does it mean? These are the great questions that each of us asks about our lives and our destinies. Most of us seek a sense of security within a home. For a few enlightened individuals, the security does not come in the form of boards and bricks, but can exist within the intangible realm of the mind, spirit, or psyche. It’s a home, nonetheless.

At the same time that I’m building my home (or my castle, or my sanctuary), I feel the call of the open road. I dream about the potential of unrealized possibilities. I wonder about the vast number of adventures that lurk just beyond the horizon. These adventures beckon to anyone who cares to respond...

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