Chicago: Streeterville / Ben – by Deborah Butterfield

Ben – by Deborah Butterfield

1989 / Bronze

Location: Seneca Park.
at the intersection of Mies Van Der Rohe Way and Chicago Avenue.

Ben – by Deborah Butterfield

Deborah Kay Butterfield (born May 7, 1949) is an American sculptor. She is known for her sculpture of horses made from found objects, like metal, and especially pieces of wood. Initially she began constructing her sculptures using natural materials such as mud, clay and sticks. Later she began using metal in her work. She also uses reclaimed materials such as found wood, steel and scrap metal. Butterfield carefully selects pieces of wood that outline the form and gesture of the horse. The wood pieces are then cast in bronze, burning the wood away.

Ben – by Deborah Butterfield

Have to confess, when I first saw it, I thought it was made of wood. I was wondering how it survives Chicago winter.
Then I learnt it is bronze. Butterfield makes bronze work, cast from “stray, downed pieces of wood.”