Catherine Woods | 2004

Clayton MetroBus Transit Center (adjacent to MetroLink Station)
Glass, stainless steel, waterjet-cut aluminum
Four glass panels: 13′ h. x 4′ 3″ w. x 5″ d.
Four aluminum panels: 13′ h. x 3′ w. x 5″ d.

A noisy, bustling, cavernous space, the Clayton MetroBus Center welcomes passengers with its colorful series of art glass and waterjet-cut aluminum panels suspended overhead.  Oasis hangs above the bus island, enlivening the environment no matter what time of day or night.

The panels of heat-strengthened, laminated glass are inspired by the four basic alchemical elements; earth, air, fire, and water.  Also incorporated into the design is a fifth element based on the idea of good fortune.  This concept takes the form of four aluminum panels suspended alongside the glass pieces.  They are pierced with abstract silhouettes inspired by symbols of good luck, including the horseshoe, wishbone, and four-leaf clover, as well as symbols from Peruvian, Chinese, and African cultures.

The glass panel designs are photographic collages of earth, air, fire, and water.  The artist says that these elements transform a barren island into an oasis, bringing it to life with color, shape, and spirit.  Woods states, “They are permanent scenery, bright and inciting, which anchors the bus island with its own permanent landscape.” 

Commissioned by Arts in Transit for Metro Transit St. Louis.