Pillowy Fun on the Esplanade by Lubbock-based Artist William Cannings

Evoking images of luxurious and dreamy slumber—or a playful pillow melee—this towering and ethereal sculpture by Lubbock-based artist William Cannings is one of eight arresting sculptures presented by True North 2021, a Heights Boulevard sculpture project. Engineered to imperceptibly tack with the wind, the beguiling sculpture—which sits in the 900 block of the boulevard—is made from forms of flat steel, welded together with the precision of fine stitch work. The welded forms are then pneumatically inflated—like a rubber tire—producing a dynamic and fresh metamorphosis from 2D pattern to 3D form. Through the artist’s process, the hard permanence of steel is wondrously transformed into a softer, gentler conformation, embracing the qualities of fabric—pillowing, folding, stretching. The resulting, seemingly pliable silhouette is meticulously addressed with layer upon layer of automotive lacquer finishes, rendering its subtleties more apparent.

Photo courtesy of Kolanowski Studio

Cannings says, “I am lured by the visceral quality of inflated objects: the look, feel and smell. [They] have become one symbol of our popular culture: cheap, disposable, fun, fleeting and iconic. I have always had an interest in automotive and aeronautical objects and technologies. These have permeated my visual language and literacy both in look and process. I have worked as a mechanic on British and Italian sports cars, made SCCA race cars and flown airplanes. The visceral connection with these experiences has directly influenced me as a sculptor.”

Photo courtesy of Kolanowski Studio

Cannings, a native of Nantwich, England, and Associate Professor of Sculpture at Texas Tech University, received his BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and M.F.A. from Syracuse University. Some of his exhibitions include Scope – Basel, Art Basel – Switzerland, Cherry-Picked: 2007 Survey of Texas Art and Artists, Wichita Falls Museum of Art, The Texas Biennial, Anya Tish Gallery, Houston, Pan American Art Projects, Miami, and Cris Worley Fine Arts, Dallas.

“Stacked Pillows” is offered for sale by the artist at $35,000, and Cannings and all True North artists will generously donate 20% of any sales back to the sculpture project.

Stay up with the latest True North happenings by liking us on Facebook @TrueNorthHeightsBlvd and following us on Instagram @truenorthheightsblvd. You may contact our committee at boulevardart@houstonheights.org. Enjoy!