Art Commissions in the Spotlight
Artist
Rachel Hayes
Project
Suspended Sculpture
Client
Safety National
About the Artwork
When Safety National set out to enhance their headquarters, they envisioned an eye-catching display that would celebrate their brand and transform the lobby into an uplifting experience for everyone who walks through the doors.
Originally imagining a dimensional wall sculpture, the client was open to creative suggestions—and our consultant saw an even greater opportunity in the air above. She suggested taking advantage of the vertical space and natural light by installing a suspended sculpture to engage viewers, revealing something new from every angle.
Our consultant recommended mixed-media artist Rachel Hayes, known for her vibrant textile installations. Her thoughtful use of space, color, and light made her an excellent fit for the project.
Hayes layered silk, polyester, nylon, tulle, and theatrical lighting gels to interact with the natural light, creating waves of color that move gently through the space. The sculpture flows across the ceiling in colorful ribbons of purples, blues, yellows, and the company’s signature green.
As the sun sets and light pours through the expansive windows, the translucent elements glow like stained glass, casting soft, prismatic reflections.
The artwork is visible from multiple vantage points, including the second-floor seating area and adjacent conference rooms.
The one-of-a-kind installation offers a subtle moment of surprise, inviting viewers to pause, look up, and experience the lobby in a new light.
About the Artist
Rachel Hayes is an internationally renowned textile artist and sculptor based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She creates expansive fabric installations that merge bold colors with traditional craft techniques, transforming built and natural environments into immersive visual experiences. Inspired by quilting, painting, and architecture, her work explores the interplay between textiles, light, and space, creating compositions that shift with changing perspectives and natural conditions.
Her ability to integrate color, form, and movement made her a natural fit for this project, seamlessly aligning with Safety National’s vision for the space.
Visit the artist’s website.
