H20

The Work

Water-jet cut aluminum “molecules” splash their way across the entranceway floor and continue in a froth of etched bubbles and waves on the second storey glass wall, all in celebration of water's dynamic, fluid nature.

The Project

The open, 2-stage competition invited artists to create works of art to be installed within the newly renovated Kelowna Family YMCA. The 2 opportunities involved the floor treatment in the new lobby and a graphic/ screening element applied to the existing glazed wall overlooking the natatorium. Artists were permitted to submit for one or both of the competitions. The budget allocated $20,000 to the floor treatment, and $22,000 to the screening element.

Both commissions were awarded to the artist team of Kirsty and Philip Robbins in June 2001. They were selected from 9 candidates. The dedication ceremony took place in May 2002.

The Artist

Kirsty Robbins holds a Masters of Arts Degree from the Royal College of Art, London, England, an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Design from Staffordshire University, England and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of British Columbia. Winner of several awards, Kirsty makes her home in Vancouver where she has been involved in several public art projects. Her work has been the subject of numerous exhibitions in England, Scotland, and Vancouver.

Philip Robbins holds a Masters of Arts Degree from the Royal College of Art, London, England, an Honors Diploma in Fine Arts from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of British Columbia. Based in Vancouver, Philip’s experience includes numerous public art commissions, film industry prop fabrication, and retail design. The other work in the City’s Public Art Collection by Kirsty and Philip Robbins is Timeline/Waterline.