The City of Hamilton is brightening up Bermuda with Vivid, its public art initiative that is introducing large-scale murals and other works to the capital. The latest piece is Nature Takes Flight (The Visible Light Spectrum), a sculpture by Michaela Antoinette that sits at the entrance of the King Street, Hamilton car park. The artist spoke with The Royal Gazette about the project.

Q: How did Nature Takes Flight (The Visible Light Spectrum) come to be?

A: The City of Hamilton published a request for proposals to all artists regarding the 2022 Vivid: City of Hamilton Public Art Initiative. I submitted my detailed proposal and was selected. Work commenced circa 2023 and took a little over a year to complete.

Q: Once accepted, were you at all nervous for the unveiling knowing it would be on public display?

A: Definitely not nervous. Elated and extremely grateful. Having a permanent public art sculpture located in the City of Hamilton is a monumental honour. Bermuda is my birthplace. Even though we leave the nest to journey the world, we always return home. My artistic vision being supported in Bermuda means the world to me.

Q: Had you ever attempted to create public art before? What made you decide to apply?

A: My solo debut was in 2021. In 2022 I was open to start a new artistic project, so I applied.

Q: What was the request from the City of Hamilton? Did they want anything specific?

A: Basically with these creative requests for proposals, they leave them quite open. It can’t be anything that the public would find offensive in any way. So it can’t be overtly political or religious or anything like that. It has to be something that’s universally appealing to the public and they encourage you to make it interactive in some way as well.

Q: What’s the meaning behind Nature Takes Flight (The Visible Light Spectrum)?

A: We leave the “nest” to pursue our dreams and explore the world. Nature Takes Flight (The Visible Light Spectrum) represents all of us taking that brave step into the unknown, finding our way as we journey through life. The visible light spectrum is how we observe the undeniable beauty of our natural surroundings. The paint finish inside of the wings ranges from black to the holographic reflecting the visible light spectrum.

Q: Where did your inspiration come from?

A: As a multidisciplinary mystic artist, I enjoy combining technology and traditional art. The City encourages use of technology and innovative interactive public art. I was inspired by Bermuda's avian wildlife and conservation ethos.

Q: Are you a bird watcher? Part of the Audubon Society?

A: No, but we often use the longtail and the cahow as national symbols. Bermuda is known for being nesting grounds for both commonly found and rare birds. We have approximately 408 species on our island. I combined different aspects of Bermuda’s popular birds and rounded the wings to resemble a blooming flower — an abstract interpretation in a geometric origami style. The sections fold into themselves, creating a challenging but unique sculpture piece. Birds represent freedom to me and so does creativity, so I just thought they went hand in hand. And since we have so many beautiful species here and since our conservation efforts for our wildlife are so important, I just thought it would be something that everyone could relate to.

Q: What do you hope people take away from it?

A: I hope people feel inspired to follow their most authentic paths in life. I hope people can see the amount of time, dedication and work I and everyone else who assisted and supported this project have put into its execution. I hope people can experience something captivating, dreamy and surreal.

Q: How did you create it?

A: I designed a unique abstract geometric origami-style sculpture with 3D software. A small test model was printed, then the model cast was made for shaping the aluminium metal. It takes a few months to get it right and since large-scale 3D technology isn't available on island, it took continuous communication with overseas fabricators. I approved each step along the way during the intricate process. Once the sculpture arrived on the island, I cleaned, prepared, painted and applied protective coating. The 14 layers of paint had to dry completely — this takes a few weeks depending on the outside temperature.

Q: Did you do it all by yourself?

A: I'd like to thank [Gary “Judge” Tucker] from the City of Hamilton for allowing me to use his workshop space, tools and for assisting me with whatever I needed without hesitation. Everyone was accommodating. It was a great working environment. Permanent public art sculpture installations require engineers, planning permission, electricians, welders, landscapers, and a technical team of experts. The sculpture has to withstand our local weather conditions and hurricane seasons. A special thanks to the City of Hamilton for commissioning and supporting this project and to Sideya Dill and the Vivid committee — Christopher Bulley, Donald Dawkins and all of the professionals and skilled workmen who assisted with the planning, co-ordination and installation process.

Q: I understand you included some technology in the piece. Are you able to explain that?

A: The sculpture is enhanced with augmented reality technology. You can view this special feature on a clear day. Viewers can download the Artivive app to experience the immersive mixed- reality scenes with sound and movement. It shows the sculpture journeying through various environments and elements, eventually taking off into outer space. With the naked eye, the viewer can watch the paint finish shift between green, gold and rose gold depending on the lighting. It gently sparkles and shimmers in the sunlight and vividly reflects the visible light spectrum at night.

Q: What’s next for your art?

A: I'm eagerly looking forward to my next project. My commissions are open for private estates, exempt companies, hotels and businesses. I truly enjoy the detail-oriented process of bringing creative ideas and interactive art to life.

• For more information on Michaela Antoinette, visit www.michaelaantoinette.com or @the.infinity.collection on Instagram