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Linda Dixon and Drew Krouse (Seagrove, NC)
Installed 2000
8' high x 31' long
Glazed architectural terra cotta
This ceramic mural was made possible through gifts to the North Carolina Zoological Society from Bob and Bonnie Meeker, Winn Dixie, the J. Richard & Sybel F. Hayworth Foundation, the NC Arts Council, the Ronald McDonald House Charities-International & NC Chapter, Acme-McCrary & Sapona Foundation and "kids tiles" purchases.
According to Linda Dixon and Drew Krouse, the artists who created Junction Springs, “Art can send a powerful message about the quality of life we want to live.”
In Junction Springs, located in the Zoo's Junction Plaza, the artists have used natural earth elements such as clay, oxides, water and fire to create a beautiful tapestry of diverse and interconnected living things. Incorporated in the mural are the native plants and animals from the mountains, piedmont and coast of North Carolina. The 60 border tiles were created by children from around the State – assisted by Linda and Drew.
Fresh water is a basic requirement for all life. To encourage us to think about where our water comes from the artists figuratively represented the natural water sheds of the State, following the water as it flows from a mountain spring towards the river basin and finally into the sea. Rain clouds are seen in the distance, reminding the careful observer that water falls, is absorbed into the earth or continues to flow in rivers and creeks, evaporates, forms clouds and falls again - in an endless cycle.
The imagery of rocks, shells and marine creatures can be seen in the shallow reflecting pool at the base of Junction Springs. And a flow of “water drops” connects the pool to the nearest water fountain in the Junction Plaza, reinforcing the question, where does our water come from? Fish, moths, flowers and birds have been incorporated into the columns of the plaza buildings. All of these elements combine with the mural to create a beautifully unified effect.
Linda Dixon and Drew Krouse were selected for this commission by a committee of zoo staff and outside arts professionals. The selection of plants and animals was determined by a species list provided to the artists by the zoo. A collaborative design process allowed a team of zoo staff to participate with the artist as the design evolved.
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