A Different Kind of Sunset Gathering

Lido Beach sculpture by artist Dale Rieke captures the imagination. Photo © Susie Thill

It wasn't an official Lido Shores Sunset Gathering, but while sunset watching this past Sunday we came across this whimsical yet quite compelling beach sculpture. Sunday marked Passover for some, and when a "cathedral" like cloud parted, allowing the sun's rays to frame the temporary installation, there was initial conjecture among our imaginative group that this might be religious in nature.

Intrigued, we tweeted (yes, Janet our blog guru tweets) into the artistic universe. Lo and behold, it turns out that's not it at all. This was the work of Sarasota artist and furniture maker Dale Rieke. According to a recent article in the Observer newspaper, "[Dale's] high-end commissioned pieces and functional art can be found in homes from Florida to New York." www.woodstreetstudio.com

An email to Dale soliciting his thoughts on what inspired this creation and why Lido Beach returned this response:

"I love taking natural objects that present themselves to me and putting them together in a visually attractive way. I think Andy Goldsworthy is one of my inspirations for this style of art. You don't have to worry about selling it, storing it, it just is! I first started doing these sort of sculptures on my travels surfing around the world. I have a need to be productive all the time, even on vacation or relaxing in Sarasota on our beautiful beach." – Dale Rieke

~ Bob Thill
~ Janet Minker