Janet Echelman

Date of Birth: December 19, 1966

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Janet Echelman is an American artist renowned for her innovative, large-scale public sculptures that integrate art, architecture, and urban design. Born in Tampa, Florida, Echelman has revolutionized the art world with her dynamic, flowing sculptures that react to environmental elements like wind and light. Initially a painter, she discovered her unique medium of netting during a trip to India when her paints were lost in transit. This serendipitous event led to the creation of her first netted sculpture, using local materials and traditional techniques. Echelman’s work has been displayed in prominent locations worldwide, from the Smithsonian Institution to Marina Bay in Singapore. Her sculptures are known for their ethereal beauty and the way they transform public spaces, creating immersive experiences for viewers. Her notable projects include “Her Secret is Patience” in Phoenix, Arizona, and “As If It Were Already Here” in Boston, Massachusetts. Echelman has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and being named an Architectural Digest Innovator.

5 Interesting Facts about Janet Echelman

1. Janet Echelman initially pursued a career in painting and discovered her unique medium of netting by accident when her paints were lost on a trip to India.

2. Her sculptures are created using a combination of high-tech materials and traditional craft techniques, often involving collaboration with engineers and architects.

3. Echelman’s work “Her Secret is Patience” in Phoenix, Arizona, took three years to complete and is made from 145 miles of twine.

4. She was named one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company in 2011.

5. Echelman’s sculpture “1.8” was displayed in the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and symbolizes the interconnectedness of the world.