The Spirit of We

At first glance, this artwork looks abstract. Like listening to jazz on your front porch, it seems like a jumble of color and rhythm. Then, just like jazz, your attention is rewarded, and the patterns and themes weave their magic. The lead designer, New Orleans Artist Richard C. Thomas, is famous throughout the USA for pioneering “visual jazz”.

Look closely, and you will see images and symbols. Families, seeds, animals, birds, plants, earth, air, water and fire; the elements of legend, history, and life. Some symbols come together to create larger patterns and pictures: An African mask (symbol of origin), a whale (symbol that sometimes we find ourselves where we did not choose to be), and a phoenix (symbol of rising from what seems hopeless).

The interweaving symbols depict stories the designer and apprentice artists heard from community members as they listened and learned about Bridge Street. Every time you look, you will see a different story emerging. This is “The Spirit of We”.

Here is what the lead designer says about the piece:

“We are stronger when we rise together. Together we grow our families, our businesses, our faith, our quality of life, and our community. Every man, woman and child is tied together in our shared destiny. What affects one affects all. We are on the move, and together WE SHALL RISE. This is “The Spirit of We”.