A R T
Inspired by Water
Artist Christopher Still
on Clearwater Beach
Christopher Still created this glass sculpture “Assent” with Mark Aeling.
They chose the glass pieces to reflect the colors of water in all of its hues, from clear to dark blue.
T he builders and owners of the new Opal Sands resort on
Clearwater Beach knew that their latest project would
appeal to individuals with artistic sensibilities, so they
commissioned Florida artists to design original works of art
that would complement the beauty of their hotel. They engaged
Tarpon Springs artist Christopher Still to paint a grand four-foot
by fifteen-foot painting to greet guests at the front desk and
to work with other artists to create artwork related to water. Still’s
painting of a bright sunset that reflects off of Pier 60 is joined
by an elegant arrival fountain that gives the impression of a sunset
with egrets in flight, which combines the work of Arnold Ruiz
of Bluworld, Daryl Vaughn of Light Partners, and Still. The next
piece you will see as you enter the foyer of the resort is “Assent.”
Mark Aeling and Still created this expansive three-dimensional,
wave-like glass and metal sculpture to represent the changing
colors of waves. Renowned glass artists Duncan McClellan and
Mariel Bass have created a glass vase for the lobby area that
celebrates the Gulf of Mexico’s marine life. As you approach the
hotel’s restaurant, guests will view “Gulf Spirit,” an oversized
lit metal sculpture of a giant grouper that is made up of all other
types of fish found in the Gulf that is a joint creation between
Carrie Jadus, Mark Aeling and Still.
9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Christopher Still’s work focuses on Florida with
many pieces featuring beach and coastal landscapes. His work is on
display at the Governor’s Manson, the Florida Capitol, St. Petersburg
City Hall, the Tampa International Airport’s Southwest Terminal,
the Sandpearl Resort and Ruth Eckerd Hall.
126 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2016