This beautiful sculpture called “Journeys” can be found in the entry area of the Stefanie Spielman House in Columbus, Ohio.
The hospital is modern and one might be tempted to call it beautiful but perhaps these are words that should never be used together when you describe a clinic. ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Hospital’, that’s a bit of an oxymoron.
Stefanie Spielman was the wife of NFL football player and Hall Of Famer, Chris Spielman. The hospital was built in honor of his late wife Stefanie, who lost her battle with breast cancer. The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center is the first world-class facility offering a full continuum of breast cancer care. It’s a place that is against all odds welcoming.
But I don’t want to write about Stefanie Spielman, but the sculpture that got my attention.
I go to this hospital when I need to get my blood lab work done. It’s not too far away from our home, only 7 miles, and there is never a waiting line, it’s in and out.
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One day, right after my thyroidectomy I wasn’t feeling well, and I had to sit down while waiting for the receptionist to check me in. I sat down across from the sculpture and while I had noticed it before every time I walked by, now I had time to study it.
That’s when I noticed the name… JOURNEY. The flowers, from afar look alike, but they all have a different color. Shades of red, orange, and yellow, various tones of green, a light, and dark blue.
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Just like we all are different and diverse. Just like every health journey is different. The voyage to health is not an easy one. There is no one-fits-all solution. “I just found out I don’t have cancer,” I told the nurse that day. I had gotten the results of my biopsy that morning and I felt a bit guilty to be in a cancer hospital. “Oh, that’s wonderful,” the nurse looked at my neck scar, “that’s a pretty one, it will blend in nicely.”
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I often admire the artwork in hospitals and doctor’s offices. Many of us who paint or draw a bit, give pieces away to cheer others up while waiting. When so many look at their screens to find distraction and entertainment, I am always looking around.
I love this sculpture.
I don’t know if the sculpture was ordered or given to the clinic and in the end, it doesn’t matter. It’s perfect. It couldn’t have found a better home.
All of our lives are journeys. Our health battles are so different, just as we are.
It’s compelling, but it doesn’t say journeys to me. Perhaps if my circumstances were different but so far I’ve been lucky xx
Stay lucky, please. The alternative is no fun 🙂
That’s the assignment the artists were giving (according to their website):
“Journey” The artists were asked to capture the essence of a women’s centered healthcare facility keeping in mind the importance of the relationship between the patient, caregiver and their families. In addition as one of the first impressions in this new facility, this sculpture needed to function as a coping mechanism for the patient and their families to help alleviate emotional and physical stress.
What an interesting sculpture! I love all the art work our local hospital has on display, it does help put patients in a better place emotionally sometimes. I mean when you are recovering would you rather look out a window at a building, roof and traffic or see amazing artwork on display? For me it is a no-brainer!
It’s an eye catcher and it’s calming to look at it. I find it very beautiful.
Well described and photographed
The sculpture is beautiful and original . . , your personal interpretation makes it more so . . . thank you for sharing . . . :)!
Thank you so much. How could I not share? It’s so beautiful.
A lovely musing about this beautiful sculpture.
Thank you, Peter.
Very nice!
Thank you, Mary. I am glad you liked it.
😊❤️
The leaves on this colorful sculpture resemble hands-helping hands? Poignant message, Bridget. 🙂
That’s a wonderful way to look at it. Why did I not come up with this?