The Westin Gaslamp Quarter Debuts Modern Sculpture

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter celebrated the installation of its iconic new sculpture displayed in front of the newly remodeled hotel for all visitors and local San Diegans to enjoy. Titled “Flame Flower,” the 40-foot dynamic sculpture evokes floral grace, the elemental energy of fire, and the flowing movement of sails, birds, and wind, which complement the organic nature of the Westin brand. The sculpture’s asymmetrical design emulates a towering “bouquet” of oversized leaves made from intricately woven stainless steel pieces, creating the ultimate arrival experience for hotel guests and the surrounding downtown community as well.

 

The petals of “Flame Flower” range in height from 8 to 40 feet, and the vertical composition of the sculpture commands views from all approaches to the plaza, as well as from the conference space and hotel rooms above. Additionally, “Flame Flower” takes advantage of the changing light and colors of its surroundings to create an evolving experience for the viewer. Throughout the day, as sunlight passes through the sculptural space, dappled shadows will move throughout the plaza to reference time, much like a sundial. At night, the use of colored LED lights completely transform the space, illuminating the exterior walls surrounding the sculpture, including the hotel’s porte cochere. 

 

Keri Robinson, general manager of the Westin Gaslamp Quarter, notes, “This opportunity to elevate our downtown presence and add value and interest to the area with this stunning sculpture is something we are very proud of. Extensive thought went into selecting the ideal piece that could be appreciated by all who pass by.”

 

“Flame Flower” was created by Fallbrook resident Michael Stutz, who has done numerous private and public art projects including “Pneumatic Dreamer” for the W Hotel in San Francisco, “Wolf Plaza” for North Carolina State University in Raleigh, and “Diaphanous Grove” for the San Diego County Regional Library in Fallbrook. He uses organic forms with line and movement to invite viewer interaction with his artwork. While living in New Orleans in the mid-nineties, Stutz developed his unique and labor-intensive woven technique, as seen in the Westin’s new sculpture, while building sculptures for the Mardi Gras parades.

 

With the installation of ‘“Flame Flower,” the Westin Gaslamp Quarter’s property-wide $25 million renovation is almost complete.