Water is Life
Photo Credit: Christ Chavez Photography
About the Project
Title: Water is Life
Location: La Nube Children’s Museum, El Paso, Texas
Installed: July 2024
Size: 22 feet long by 4 feet wide
Water is Life is a terrazzo bench designed as a functional, educational, and interactive public art piece. Crafted with marble, glass, aggregate, mirror, aluminum, and brass, the bench merges artistry with technology to engage visitors of all ages. Situated within La Nube Children’s Museum’s Flow Zone, this installation offers a unique experience on water’s impact on the diverse ecosystem of the Chihuahuan Desert.
This project was commissioned by La Nube Children’s Museum in collaboration with Gyroscope Inc., an Oakland-based firm specializing in the design of S.T.E.A.M.-based interactive zones. The museum’s mission to connect the community through dynamic, hands-on learning drove the selection of Water is Life, which seamlessly integrates art, education, and environmental awareness.
The bench is more than a place to sit—it is a portal into the story of water in the desert. By blending my previous work in terrazzo design, such as River Spirit at the El Paso International Airport, with cutting-edge augmented reality, this installation provides an immersive experience for visitors to explore how water shapes life in our region.
About the Work
The creation of Water is Life reflects a meticulous collaboration between artists, designers, and engineers. I worked closely with Gyroscope Inc., Boss Display, Andreola Terrazzo & Restoration Inc., and Augment El Paso to bring the vision to life. The terrazzo bench, with its intricate patterns and materials, serves as a foundation for augmented reality elements that highlight the delicate interplay between water and desert life.
Inspiration for the visual design drew from my previous terrazzo project, River Spirit, incorporating flowing shapes and textures that echo the movement of water. To complement the Flow Zone exhibit’s focus on city water infrastructure, I expanded the narrative to include the Chihuahuan Desert’s plants and animals, emphasizing their reliance on water.
Discs embedded in the bench feature illustrations of local animals and flora, such as the burrowing owl and prickly pear cactus. When scanned with a smartphone, these discs activate 3D animations accompanied by audio explanations, offering an engaging way to learn about water’s critical role in sustaining life in the region.
The result is a durable, visually captivating bench that not only enhances the museum’s aesthetic but also serves as a dynamic educational tool. Visitors can rest, reflect, and explore how water connects the natural environment to the lives of those in El Paso and beyond, making Water is Life a centerpiece of La Nube’s mission to inspire curiosity and understanding through interactive learning.
