Bedford Gallery
Home Bedford Gallery MenuUplifting Together
About this Sculpture
Joseph O’Connell’s work in the Meditation Garden is inspired by the intricacies of the human nervous and circulatory systems and the figures of local plant life. The branches, though slightly awkward in their form, ascend upwards with determination, symbolizing the inherent beauty in imperfections. This delicate ascent reminds us that even in our moments of awkwardness and imperfection, we possess the ability to rise and uplift each other, finding strength together.
About the Artist
Creative Machines was founded by current company President and Artistic Director Joe O’Connell. Their company story starts in the early '70s where O’Connell grew up, near Thomas Edison’s West Caldwell, New Jersey laboratory. His grandfather had been friends with the Edison family and passed on stories, motors, parts and lab books that had been handed down by Edison himself. O’Connell started Creative Machines in his garage in 1995 and still follows the same mission statement today, which was established so many years ago: to create objects and environments that encourage creativity, support social interaction, and inspire self-confidence.
Location: The outdoor lobby of the UCSF-John Muir Health Jean and Ken Hofmann Cancer Center at the Behring Pavilion on 177 La Casa Via at the John Muir Heath Medical Center.
Image Credit: Joseph O’Connell + Creative Machines, Uplifting Together, 2023. Photo courtesy of Steve Dolan.