Walking Woman by Michael Stutz

Dedicated in 2019, this sculpture by Michael Stutz can be viewed about fifty feet east of this part of the Tomahawk Creek Trail. The sculpture portrays a confident female figure striding between limestone blocks, the building material that formed many of the early structures in this part of eastern Kansas. Stutz has created numerous metallic sculptures of faces and bodies that can be seen in major cities throughout the United States. This figure is made of green silicon bronze strips with a layered look that creates the female form and celebrates the connection between exploring nature and enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

The artist Michael Stutz made his first sculpture for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. While living in San Francisco, he created art from recycled cardboard in a series of temporary installations. Stutz was selected to create a permanent sculpture for the W Hotel next to the San Francisco Museum of Art, and the reception of that piece led to additional commissions at universities like Texas Tech and cities like San Jose, Portland, and Jacksonville. Many of his works depict human faces, and he has several works that are similar to this one that depict people walking with the same determined posture you see here. One of his recent works, "Inverted World," is located in the historic walls of Lucca - a series of fortifications that date back to the Renaissance era in Italy. He currently lives in California and is an avid mountain biker.

If one visits the artist's website (link at the end of this entry) there are many images of the art he has created, but not a word beyond the menu. The artist's Facebook page takes a different approach, with many heartwarming stories about meeting people who have enjoyed his art. It also includes this statement by the artist related to his work "Inverted World" in Italy, which features a human face oriented upside down.

"The world is upside down. Inverted by technology, the human animal struggles for vision. and attention. We are so beautiful, but can not clearly see or hear real life. But go behind the mask and there is a sheltered space where lovers, friends, parents and children, and even strangers in a plaza, can listen to each other’s voices. Amplified by the curves inside the faces, even a whisper can be hear."

Think Different Designs, Michael Stutz, Des Moines Public Art Foundation. Accessed December 31st, 2024. https://dsmpublicartfoundation.org/artist/michael-stutz/.

Leawood Public Art Guide, City of Leawood, Kansas. Accessed December 31st, 2024. https://www.leawood.org/DocumentCenter/View/640/Leawood-Public-Art-Guide-PDF.