Cranston artist’s work part of ‘Creative Mile’

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It is known as The Creative Mile, a series of art installations located on the land opened up by the relocation of Interstate 195.

Ed Lyman Rondeau of Cranston is one of a dozen local artists selected for the temporary initiative, which is part of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission’s efforts to enhance the area known as The LINK. Sitting at the corner of Richmond and Clifford Streets in Providence is his metal sculpture “Agricola,” a piece inspired by farming and meant to bring joy to those who view it.

“I am fond of creating works which bring smiles to those who see them, and ‘Agricola’ is one of those pieces,” Rondeau said. “I named it ‘Agricola’ because there is at least one component in the work which came from a piece of farm equipment. The colors which I chose to use on the piece are also colors found in produce and things grown on a farm.”

Rondeau has worked as a visual artist for more than 50 years. He has taught theater arts at the high school and college levels and always strives to focus on the process of creating art as much as the outcome.

“It is through the process of creation than an artist grows in his art,” he said.

Years ago, Rondeau experimented in work with metal, yet lacked the training, tools, teachers and opportunity to become a serious metal artist. He went on to study the masters, including David Smith, and became involved with courses at the non-profit Steel Yard in Providence. The continues to work, teach and mentor at the Steel Yard.

“I sculpt because I have a passion for creating objects of beauty, which bring to life the musings of my imagination,” he said. “I sculpt in steel because I am fascinated by the power, durability, energy and versatility of the metal…Heating, cutting shaping and joining metal at the hands of an artist helps bring to live an idea, an image, a feeling, which makes a statement about the human experience.”

“Agricola” is large, weighing roughly 100 pounds, and solidly placed on a pedestal, but moves slightly in the wind. The total budget for its creation was well under $100.

“I hope that while ‘Agricola’ is in place…people who walk or drive by will notice it and smile,” he said.

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