Desert Flower VII

Artist: Gary Slater. Rusted metal and mirror sculpture. Purchased: 1998. Northeast corner of Boston Street and San Marcos Place "Desert Flower VII" is located in A.J. Chandler Park in the heart of Downtown Chandler. This abstract artwork was purchased in 1998 by the City of Chandler as one of the first pieces of art by Gary Slater. This sculpture features two materials common in Slater's work, rusted metal and mirrors. Since he was a child, Gary Slater has been fascinated by metal, and the many forms, finishes, and textures it possesses. Additionally, each form of metal conjures a different emotion in him. For example, in Slater’s mind, rusted metal evokes richness and warmth, and polished metals possess a sense of value and class. This is evident in Desert Flower VII, in which he employs both the reflective shine of the mirrors and the rugged richness of the worn metal. Slater says that the goal of his artwork is to touch viewers, and that "the abstraction of his artwork is its own language which transcends all words". Gary Slater earned his Masters of Fine Arts from Arizona State University in 1974. He has been a sculptor for over 35 years and has earned the distinction of Master of the Southwest, awarded by Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine. Slater's artwork is now an important piece to the Downtown Chandler art scene.

Source: City of Chandler