Floating in tranquility atop a mirrored post, with light-green patina surface and black and gold details, Joseph Wheelwright’s nine-foot bronze sculpture “Sleeping Moon” is alive with craters, mountains, and rivers. An enlarged version of one of 28 different avocado-sized moons that Wheelwright has created since 1980, “Sleeping Moon” was installed in Peabody Square, Boston in the fall of 2010, in the plaza at the Ashmont MBTA station. It is now part of the city’s permanent public art collection. Wheelwright has lived in the Peabody Square area for three decades. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by the moon,” says Wheelwright. “The moon is also the original timepiece–so it’s a good companion for the much-loved iron clock in Peabody Square.” Along with bronze moons, Wheelwright is known for giant carved stone heads and monumental tree figures. “Sleeping Moon” was selected by a collaboration of local arts, community, and business groups.
More of Wheelwright’s work may be seen at www.joewheelwright.com