Date: 2013

Medium: Unique Cast Iron

Dimensions: 48" Diameter x 2" thick

Commissioned by: The Bertschi School

The Big Eye is one of two cast iron manhole covers commissioned by the Bertschi School and parent-donors for the new "Living Building" that houses the school's science classes. Judith and Daniel Caldwell also created a series of bronze native salmon for the floor of the classroom, and a collection of bronze beetles for the walls of the greenhouse attached to the classroom. The "Living Building" uses net zero water and energy, and is the first school building of its kind certified in the United States. This diagram of the human eye is intended to reference the way we receive much of our knowledge and learning. The second manhole cover (not pictured) illustrates the water cycle, which relates closely to the design of the building, which recycles or composts all water used on the premises, for nourishing plants in the adjacent greenhouse and garden. Judith is pictured with the iron casting still in its sand mold, at the Morel Industries Foundry in Seattle. Morel Industries generously donated their services to the Bertschi School iron manhole covers project.