West Des Moines, IA

Aqua Strata

Created by Bounnak Thammavong; Kingston, IL

This multi-pieced sculpture, created using stained wood, plexiglass, and various metals, was inspired by native Iowa animals and insects that are immediately impacted by the amount and condition of the water that flows through a watershed. A watershed is the water that flows over land as runoff and collects in streams, creeks, ponds, and rivers. The “floating” abstract totems communicate the connection of the patterns found in natural forms with the patterns and flow of the West Des Moines watershed map the sculptures stand upon. There are 9 watersheds and over 100 watershed tributaries in West Des Moines.

Each Aqua Strata totem and map section is adorned with students’ original watercolor paintings. The pigments used in Aqua Strata represent the visual journey of students when learning about the fibers in watercolor paper. The patterns of layered wood reference the stratified layers of soil that water flows through. It is a hope that this artwork will invite the viewer to question and investigate the significance and importance of water’s path in urban and natural environments.

Thammavong worked with teachers and students in West Des Moines Community Schools to create the painted artwork found on the sculpture pieces. Students used watercolors to paint pre-printed templates. Student names can be found on the painted templates. Thammavong then cut out the painted templates and adhered them to the bases and enclosed them in the plexiglass sculpture tops.  

Student Artists
Crossroads Park Elementary
Western Hills Elementary, 2019-2020 6th graders

• Chrysemys Picta (Painted Turtle)

  The Painted Turtle totem uses the markings of the turtle’s belly and shell as formal inspiration. When scaled up in size, a segment of the shell pattern creates the unique shape that frames student watercolor paintings. The Painted Turtle spends nearly all its life in water. It lays its eggs in prairie grasses that grow in well drained soils of meadows and woodlands near ponds, lakes, and rivers. Being unable to swallow without the aid of water, the Painted Turtle is greatly affected by the diversion of water to and away from its habitat.

• Ambystoma Tigrinum (Tiger Salamander)

  The Tiger Salamander totem uses the shape of the animal’s body as formal inspiration. A circular area frames student watercolor paintings in plexiglass. The Tiger Salamander spends most of its life underground in forests, grasslands, or marshes that are located close to ponds or other small waters where it can lay its eggs. Like all amphibians, it sheds its skin at each stage of development toward adulthood. It eats worms, small frogs, and insects found in or near water. The Tiger Salamander has porous skin through which it breathes. Unfortunately, this porous skin also leaves it highly vulnerable to pollution.

• Stenacron Interpunctatum (Mayfly)

  The Mayfly totem utilizes the natural arch found in the insect’s body and wings as formal inspiration. A circular area of plexiglass frames student watercolor paintings. The Mayfly spends its youth in the water. It sheds its husk at each stage of development, moving from nymph to adulthood. Only during the last days of its life does it leave the water to find a mate. It then returns to the water, laying its eggs in ponds, lakes, and rivers. The Mayfly has the shortest lifespan of any insect. It relies on water that is often diverted away from its habitat or may become polluted.

Aqua Strata is located in the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge (2500 Grand Avenue).