Construction

Construction. . , The creation of Dignity of Earth and Sky spanned a period of three years, after careful research and with the help of native models and advisors. The entire figure, including her face and hands, were fabricated by the artist and team of three assistants then transported over 200 mile to this site., Structural engineers were consulted to address the complex challenges faced in building a monument of this size that could withstand the extreme weather conditions of the location. The primary armature is a tripod with a compression box on top which supports ribs similar to an umbrella turned to the side., The soaring sculpture is 50 feet tall, weighs 12 1/2 tons, has abn extensive internal structure, and is made entirely of stainless steel which was used for its beauty, strength and permanence., The star quilt, an important symbol among Lakota, Nakota and Dakota peoples, is mad of 128 diamonds. each 4 foot long and painted in the colors of the sky and water that surround Dignity. At night, internal LED lighting shines through perforated stainless steel and illuminates the beadwork on her dress and leggings., Dignity is designed so the wind and sun more through her. She is an expression of both presence and integration with the environment.