A Course in Change

A Course in Change clusters a group of highly finished stones in a series of vertical and horizontal positions that invite pedestrians to sit or walk through the sculpture. Sitting on a circular limestone base surrounded by concentric concrete circles which reflect the neighboring courthouse, the sculpture cantilevers out for seating and the columns act like portals--offering an entrance to the piece and echoing the façade of the Federal building.  



Most of the stones are indigenous to Texas. Cordova cream limestone and shell stone are quarried in the Austin area, other limestone comes from West Texas and the red sandstone is from Pecos. The slate comes from Pennsylvania and the green marble is from mountains in Italy.  The artist has hand-chiseled or polished every stone surface in some way.
Sapolsky collaborated with landscape architect Karen Richardson to further develop the site by interweaving the pathways to and from the sculpture.  Completed in exposed aggregate, the walkways provide a path to Hemisphere Plaza as well as the public streets adjacent to the building.

Quote from the artist:  "The purpose of my life and work has been to create a sense of harmony and well-being for myself as well as the world.  This is a daily challenge.  Each of us experience turmoil. My response to the chaotic planetary and human conditions is to make art that conveys the essence of stability and resolution.  Finding resolution in a sculpture, as in one's life, is certainly the ongoing challenge.  My sculptures have evolved to become places to be experienced.  Art has the capacity to ease, heal and promote spiritual growth.  This is my intention."