GENTLE BREEZE
July 2021
Taking its name from the winds that flow into the City of Boise from the mountains and river valley that surround it, GENTLE BREEZE is a bold pink ‘tree’ on a hill with three swings hanging from its branches: An image of the quieter pastoral life juxtaposed within the urban fabric of Boise’s multi-story cityscape.
Open for the public to gently swing back and forth in the shade of the canopy while looking out at the buildings against the mountainous backdrop, the flowing leaves above make this kinetic artwork a visible indicator of the natural landscape surrounding the city. Two of the most prominent features of the project are its bright pink color and seven hundred forty-eight (748) leaves. The unique pink color, based on local cherry blossom trees and the clouds of Boise’s sunsets, compliments the surrounding buildings yet is distinct enough to ‘pop’ in this landscape. The twenty-three (23) ft tall tree sits on a slowly sloping 3ft berm creating the striking image of the tree on a hill that can be seen from several points throughout the area. The softly flowing leaves pushed by the winds from the river and hills make the artwork a visible indicator of the natural landscape surrounding the city.
GENTLE BREEZE is an aspirational image located prominently on the corner of Bannock and 11th ave at the Cherie Buckner Webb park in downtown Boise. The artwork was designed for the Cherie Buckner Webb park, named after the local living civil rights leader who has positively impacted the lives of many in Idaho, a state that has been predominantly conservative with a history of discriminatrion. The fresh and lively energy this bold pink tree has brought to its surroundings is meaningful and transformative for a city and state that is redefining its identity.