Devil’s Bedstead

Mark Stasz
2003
Steel and granite
Donated by Gail Severn and Mark Stasz 

Where is it located in the garden?
Perennial Garden

More about
Mark Stasz

Lived in Bellevue, ID for 18 years. Currently resides in Cloverdale, CA. 

Mark Stasz is a Washington-based sculptor known for his abstract stone and metal works. He developed his artistic skills at the Williston Northampton School and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Alfred University in New York. An apprenticeship with Terrence Karpowicz Studio in Chicago further honed his expertise in steel and stone sculpture. 

OVERVIEW
• Devil’s Bedstead is a monumental outdoor sculpture created by Mark Stasz, a Washington-based artist known for his abstract stone and metal works. The sculpture features a combination of steel and granite, materials that Stasz frequently employs to explore themes of balance, tension, and the interplay between natural and industrial elements.

• The Sculpture: The 12-foot-tall steel sculpture created by Stasz was initially installed at Bellevue Memorial Park in 2007. It is made from steel and includes two arcs and a large steel ring at the base.

• The Mountain: The name "Devil's Bedstead" also refers to a prominent peak in the Pioneer Mountains near Bellevue, Idaho. The majestic landscape of this area often inspires local artists  

CONCEPTUAL THEMES
• Balance and Tension: The juxtaposition of steel and granite symbolizes the harmony between opposing forces.

• Industrial vs. Natural: The use of man-made materials like steel alongside natural granite reflects the interaction between human creation and the natural world.

• Monumentality: The large scale of the sculpture emphasizes its presence in the public space, inviting viewers to engage with it physically and intellectually. 

NOTABLE PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS
Mark has created over 450 sculptures that adorn public spaces across the country, including pieces commissioned by or on display in:
• Boise, ID
• The Los Angeles County Airport in Los Angeles, California
• Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa
• Wilmette Medical Center in Wilmette, Illinois
• Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee