“The greatest artist does not have any concept
Which a single piece of marble does not itself contain
Within its excess, though only
A hand that obeys the intellect can discover it.”
― I Sonetti Di Michelangelo: The 78 Sonnets of Michelangelo with Verse Translation
Birth II, by Arthur Williams, Dallas, Texas
Twice over the last decades (2013, and 2019) I have stopped at the Lover’s Lane Red Line DART station to photograph the sculpture there. It’s really cool looking, and hard to find – I imagine it was once more obvious, but the construction of the DART station and the expansion of Central Expressway cut it off. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a plaque or other sign and had no idea who the sculpture was done by or what its name was. It seems to have been neglected over the years, it is getting a bit ragged looking.
Finally, I dug out a book I bought used a long time ago and have found very useful: A Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Sculpture In Texas by Carol Morris Little. The sculptures are listed by the name of their sculptors (which I did not know) so it took a bit of page-turning, but I found it.
From the book:
Arthur Williams
American, born 1942Birth II 1983
Abstract, 7′ x 15′ x7′ 8″ ; welded and pressed steel
Location: 6688 North Central Expressway
Funding: Sullivan CorporationComments: Sculpture by Arthur Williams appears in public and private collections throughout the United States. In addition to large steel and cast-bronze sculptures, Williams carves alabaster, marble, and wood. This work and his monumental installation in Galveston are from his Birth series.
It’s cool to finally know something about this sculpture – will have to look for its twin the next time I’m in Galveston.
Birth II, Arthur Williams, Dallas, Texas
Bill Chance 
Pingback: Earthly and Mechanical Paraphernalia | Bill Chance
Arthur Williams retired from teaching and making sculpture after hurricane Katrina wiped out his work space in his home as well as most of the art department he was the chairman of in Gulfport, Mississippi. He moved to Springfield, Tennessee after that. In 2020 he will be moving again to Nashville, Tennessee. He is still doing quite well. He is my father.
Thanks for the comment! I had done a google search and read about the hurricane and the art that he had lost – that must have been especially traumatic. I’m glad he is doing well. You are lucky to have such an accomplished father. I’m going to try and find out what happened to the Birth II sculpture here in Dallas – so far no luck.
Hi Dustin, I’m glad to hear your Dad is well. Is there a way to get in touch with him? Birth II has been donated from Energy Square to the University Crossing Public Improvement district. It’s in the process of being restored now. We would love to talk to Arthur about it. It’s planned to be placed behind The Highland Hotel at the base of the Mockingbird bridge here in Dallas. Michael Van Enter is the Art Conservator.
My # is 214-821-4301- Kristin Munson
That’s great news! I’ll keep an eye out for the sculpture – take some photos and do a blog entry when it reappears.
Definitely. Bill, I’ll reach out whenever they install it here so you can come for the ribbon cutting. It would be great if Arthur Williams could come too. I’m not sure if it will be in June or maybe later.
Yes, contact me directly and I can give you his contact information – I know he would want to help any way he can. I am at http://www.WilliamsFineViolins.com – I am a luthier in Nashville (a different kind of sculpture).
Pingback: Reborn | Bill Chance