This installation at the Blue Cross headquarters is a multi-layered carved glass wall. It was carved and shaped using abrasive blast technology. The colours were applied by various techniques including bonding coloured glass layers with optically clear adhesives. The sculpted glass responds to its architectural environment through the use of colour and light. Additionally, it references the prairie landscape and the function of the building as the headquarters of the Manitoba Blue Cross.
The piece avoids visual clichés. Though the glass wall is primarily abstract, it has strong landscape imagery with the prairie horizon line dominating the composition. The large cut opening in the front layer of glass reveals a second layer of glass with a field of blue crosses on its surface. The blue crosses are in the form of the iconic Blue Cross logo but are distressed and flawed reflecting the imperfections in human life.
Light plays a significant role in this work. The piece has a western exposure, creating diffused even light. However, when the sun reaches the west, later in the day, intriguing things happen. Direct sun projects ghost-like blue crosses onto to the lip of the opening and dramatic horizontal shadows cover the work.
The interaction of projected light and shadow was a consideration in the design and adds poetry to the piece.