Always the River

“Always the River” is the title of my hand-painted tension fabric sculpture, installed at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.  

In making this sculpture, I was inspired by the Cumberland River, the Red River and Dunbar Cave. The rivers are the lifeblood of the local civilization, transporting people and distributing food, products and culture.  The cave, with its Native American pictographs and petroglyphs dating back to the first human inhabitants of the region, ties us to our long shared history.

The sustainable coexistence of humans with nature is of the utmost importance. I have called upon "HeartMan" to help me illustrate this need for sharing.

“HeartMan” first appeared to me in Maine, in 1986, and attached itself to another of my outdoor installations. HeartMan was born of the seas, long ago.

Now HeartMan has made a special project of protecting the Cumberland River in Tennessee, and the many at-risk species who live there. With the help of The Tennessee Wildlife Agency, the HeartMan has identified twenty of the most important threatened species, and has created, for each of them, a unique 'cosmic helper'.  

I hope that you will examine the sculpture (and the projected animated avatars) to find your favorite cosmic helper. Then chart your own path to sustainable coexistence with nature by learning about your chosen helper's at-risk creature. When you do, “Always the River” will have served its purpose. Thank you!

Cynthia Thompson, Sculptor