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Sphere 1 & 2

A close shot of one of the Spheres that rise from the grasses and flowers in the Hamann Rose Garden

About the Sculpture

Sphere 1 & 2 were brought to the Rotary Strolling Gardens during the Hamann Rose Garden renovation of 2008 by Parks and Recreation Director, Lynn Johnson. The white iron globes dot the garden as decorative elements rising from the surrounding flora and compliment the other art pieces around it.

Globes and spheres have been found in gardens for hundreds of years, from the reflective gazing globes and armillary spheres to the decorative globes we have now. Gazing globes were first made in 13th century Venice, made of hand-blown glass. These balls had many uses from warding off evil, bringing good fortune to the home and its owners, and alerting a host or butler when service was required. Now they mainly serve as decoration for many gardens.

Armillary spheres or sundials connect the garden with celestial movements, the passing of seasons and the cycle of growing. The rings represent difference celestial bodies from earth. While Lincoln's spheres are not armillary spheres, they have a similar appearance. Sphere 1 & 2 draw from the history of garden globes, while acting as decoration for the garden.

A close shot of one of the Spheres that rise from the grasses and flowers in the Hamann Rose Garden

The Hamann Rose Gardens in fall, with sculptures Palo Alto 1 and Sphere 1 & 2 rising from the grasses that surround them.

The Hamann Rose Gardens feature a rose spiral path of bricks, and Sphere 1 & 2 rise in the background.

A sphere rises from behind a rose bush in full bloom

A shot of the Hamann Rose Garden in early fall, with Sphere 1 & 2 rising in front of the grasses and trees that are changing from green to orange and brown.