Will the Circle be Unbroken
Beau Lyday
Valdese, NC
Aged tin roofing, metal, wood
90″ x 89″ x 60″
Artist Comments
The circle is a universal symbol utilized by most religions and cultures. It is symbolic of vitality, wholeness, completion, and perfection; a symbol of infinity, having no beginning, no ending. Will the Circle be Unbroken is two circles connected by benches to form a moon gate.
Moon gates originated in China and were used as entrances to upper class gardens. The gates were built as a welcoming gesture to reflect the nobility’s wish to be inclusive and open-mined despite the garden visitor’s class distinctions.
Moon gates are also symbolic of birth and renewal. In Bermuda, newlyweds step through them for good luck in their marriage, the birth of their new life together. Architect Bud Dietrich stated “One interpretation of the Chinese moon gate is that it is complete, representing and celebrating the cohesiveness of the family. This complete circle provides entry to a pathway for the family members to return home to celebrate one another.”
Will the Circle be Unbroken is also an old Appalachian song offering hope in a time of loss, faith that the cycle of life (the circle) will continue to completeness.
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by
There’s a better home awaiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Will the Circle be Unbroken creates a sense of place where one is enclosed by a strong sculptural structure, a space of peace, reflection, and wholeness.
Please come sit.
About the Artist
Beau Lyday was born in Athens, Georgia in 1955. He has been sculpting in metal and wood since 2009. After forty years in the furniture business, he left to pursue his art. Lyday believes that being an artist is something that one is born to do and does not necessarily require a formal art degree. He went on to study through practical experience, learning through trial and error, and self-learning, studying ancient places and objects as his teachers. His major influences are Gothic and mid-eastern architecture, Celtic symbols, and sacred geometry. He further expanded on his knowledge in working with carved wood cores plated in aged tin roofing and using these materials, he was recently awarded best in show at the North Charleston Sculpture Exhibition.
Lyday’s recent large works create a sense of place. Being sculptural and structural, a person can stand inside a piece or sit down and become involved with it, embracing the peace within the shelter of the sculpture. He currently lives and works in Valdese, NC.
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