This relief sculpture is inspired by the 3 core values of the guiding principles of the BayCare Health System; TRUST, RESPECT and DIGNITY.  As I was doing my research this series of threes became a theme. I also found three core elements in health; MIND, BODY and SPIRIT. It got me thinking about threes. Three is the foundation of structure, of three dimensions. Triangles are the simplest and strongest forms in geometry. Look at the pyramids for example. I started looking at ways to weave together these core elements into a tapestry of sculptural form.  Initially I looked at weaving literally. Investigating patterns that involved a three directional weave. 

It wasn’t until I was vacationing in the mountains with a friend and her boys that the inspiration for this project came to me.  I was playing with the boys by a rivers edge. We were skipping rocks along the water and counting the skips. One of the boys picked up several rocks at once and tossed them up in the air.  Each rock landed in the water creating a unique ripple pattern like a signature of its size, shape and velocity. These patterns grew overlapping one another as if they were woven together forming a beautiful interconnected shape on the surface of the water.  I had my answer. - Mark Aeling

BayCare Health Systems

requested a signature artwork to encompass a large wall in the lobby of their administrative headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. They wanted it the piece to communicate the core essence of the company's mission and serve as a visual anchor for the space.

Ripple Effect is based on the interweaving of the three core elements of BayCare Health Systems and how they work together to inspire community. The concept was inspired by ripples of water woven together as they expand across waters' surface. During the course of a life all things we perceive are interwoven. They affect each other. These interrelated elements form our experience, our lives, and our communities.

Ripple Effect specs:

Medium: Monochrome cast fiberglass reinforced with polyester resin

Dimensions: 15 'H x 10' W x 4” D

Completed: 2014