Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Robert Stackhouse (American, born 1942)
St. Louie Bones, 1987
— pine timbers, white stain, nails; 32 × 818 × 146 inches; Laumeier Sculpture Park Commission —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 25, 2023
1. Robert Stackhouse (American, born 1942) Marker
Seventy feet long, thirteen feet wide and following the contours of an uneven slope in Laumeier's Way Field, Robert Stackhouse's St. Louie Bones, 1987, creates a rippling silhouette on the Park's landscape. Conceptually modeled by the presence of our two powerful waterways, the artwork is a wooden structure with many historical associations. St. Louie Bones may look like a boat-turned-Minimalist sculpture, but it also suggests a stage of primitive ritual. Resembling a rickety raft boat, the piece recalls those who live by and travel the river—from native tribes in canoes and the European immigrants who landed in steamboats, to the river pilots that keep the local economy flowing. Like a ship tipping into a wave, idea and form are linked in a visual metaphor, presenting a platform to express a literal, imaginary or spiritual voyage.
Erected by St. Louis County Parks & Recreation; made possible with funding from Lighthouse for the Blind.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1987.
Location. 38°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Marie Watt (American, Born 1967) (a few steps from this marker); Tony Tasset (American, born 1960) (within shouting distance of this marker); Laumeier Sculpture Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sol Lewitt (American, 1928-2007) (about 300 feet away); Ernest Trova (American, 1927-2009) (about 400 feet away); Isaac Witkin (American born South Africa, 1936-2006) (about 500 feet away); Pearl Fryar (American, 1939) (about 600 feet away); Healing (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sunset Hills.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
