Sculptural, soaring life-sized birds made possible through donation of cancer survivor and family
A Baton Rouge native specializing in digital drafting and three-dimensional design has created a custom “In Flight” art installation in the Woman’s Hospital main atrium. The stunning display of life-sized birds soaring inside the hospital was made possible by a generous donation from the family of Rose Marie Fife, a breast cancer survivor and longtime Woman’s volunteer.
Donor Group: (L to R) Brad Bourgoyne, artist, Rose Marie and Johnny Fife, honoree and donors, Teri Fontenot, President & CEO, Woman’s Hospital..
Artist Brad Bourgoyne was inspired by the weightless flight of Louisiana’s indigenous birds like the egret and heron and his interpretation of their nesting habits. “Birds have long been associated with the journey through life’s many seasons and cycles of renewal,” Bourgoyne says. “Designed specifically for the space, this sculptural installation represents Woman’s Hospital as a place of nurturing and healing, and will hopefully welcome visitors with a vision of nature that not only lifts the eye, but also lifts the spirit.”
The display uses a thin durable material that is delicately woven by a 3-D printer to create a unique shape and details of each bird. Multiple, white, life-sized egrets soar with seven foot wingspans above the main lobby, while a flock of 48 smaller birds suspend in front of the large windows on separate frames. The flock is coated with opalescence colors of green, blue, yellow, purple and pink to reflect the natural light from the curtain wall on the entrance of the hospital.
In Flight Installation: New art installation goes up at Woman’s Hospital thanks to the generous donation of a local cancer survivor and family.
That feeling of comfort and support is what drove the donation made by the Fife family, in honor of matriarch, Rose Marie. Rose Marie is a breast cancer survivor who credits her survivorship to the exceptional care she received at Woman’s Hospital. She is also an avid volunteer who spends hours as a NICU cuddler, is a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary and Foundation Board, and has served two years as the chair of the BUST Breast Cancer Bra Art Fashion Show.
“Woman’s is like my second home. And how wonderful is it to have something so beautiful be added to this incredible place. It is my hope that every time someone looks up at these magnificent birds that they can feel the love and comfort my family and I have felt from this hospital for so many years.” Fife shares.
This installation serves as the corner stone for the Woman’s Hospital Artwork program. In conjunction with the fine art pieces, the installation highlights themes of weightlessness, flight and soaring. These feelings and ideas are all positive associations that aim to build a comforting environment that supports families, women and children.
Fife Family: The Fife family made the donation in honor of Rose Marie, seated center surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren.