Artist creates living gateways to Cypress Creek Trail Preserve

The Spaces Between

Two extraordinary living gateways now mark the entrances to the Cypress Creek Trail Preserve. Designed and fabricated by artist and sculptor Heather Carter, the gateways were constructed over a period of 10 weeks using live Ashe juniper trees and mature grapevines to which fallen limbs were attached and secured.

The gateways, with their peaked arches, organically- shaped windows and side aisles, appear to have sprouted from Wimberley soil. Diffused light accentuates the twisting forms of the framework and filters through hob- bit-sized windows and doorways. Altogether enchanting, the gateways draw attention to the tree’s vital role in nature and provide a kind of protected passageway from one place to another.

Calling her installation, “The Spaces Between,” Carter took inspiration from her father, an architect, who left her with an important insight. He shared that humans do their living in the spaces between the objects in their world. She actualized the concept by including multiple windows and passages within each gateway.

A projectArt board member and mentor, Carter is experienced at creating public artworks. Not only has she completed the living gateways, she built “The Refuge” at the Patsy Glen Refuge, created the Lifeboats and the Tideline Quote Wall at the Leaning Pear restaurant, and installed other public artworks for Austin libraries and commercial spaces.

Made possible by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts in partnership with projectART and Wimberley Parks and Recreation, the gateways will be dedicated on Saturday, August 24. Visitors should gather at the end of Blue Hole Lane at 9:30 a.m. As a group, the artist will lead visitors to Gate One for the dedication, and then walk to Gate Two for a short workshop for students and interested members of the public. Look for sandwich boards with instructions.