BSLA Fieldbook Archive | Page 7

Letter from the Editorial Team

NOW

/ BSLA

Letter from the Editorial Team

What an adventure this issue turned out to be . The idea for a Landscape + Art theme was floated around over a year ago with the BSLA Executive Committee . Our first inclination was a simple collection of pieces about firms incorporating art into the landscape , which evolved into a conversation about how landscape in itself is art . As the team worked through the development process , Boston was gifted with a Chief of Arts and Culture , tourists arriving at the harbor islands found it occupied by avant-garde sculptures , and above us rose the spectacular works by Janet Echelman and Ken Smith .
So ... the direction changed a bit .
As we re-explored the focus of our issue , art was literally and figuratively overtaking our city , and BSLA members stepped up to the challenge of incorporating these amazing triumphs into this very special issue . Not only by contributing , but also by connecting this team to some of the biggest and brightest thinkers in the art world . In these pages , we explore the importance of art in the landscape architectural community through the eyes of curators , conservators , post-grads , and seasoned professionals . The result taught us that we are forever and always surrounded by artists , are ourselves artists , and what we provide through our vocation is a product that changes the way people experience the world .
But we still wanted to look at some outstanding examples of how ‘ art ’ is incorporated / thought about / reflected in landscapes . This resulted in three of our firm leaders generously contributing insights into their process and perspectives they employ .
Members also contributed images , quotes , and ideas reflecting how art comes into their life and work , linking this issue to the view of many more .
A huge thank you to all the other volunteer proofreaders , editors , and contributors at firms and as BSLA members , whose generosity of time and expertise are key to the finished product .
Yours truly ,
Fieldbook Editorial Team Todd Robinson , Chair , Associate ASLA Natalie Adams , ASLA Vicki Carr , Affiliate ASLA Crystal Maring , ASLA Tim Nickerson , ASLA
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
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