The City of Santa Clarita recently installed its newest art piece titled “The Western Tiger Swallowtail” by artist LT Mustardseed in front of Central Park.  The piece will remain a permanent fixture and is part of the Common Spaces: Art in Public Places campaign.

“The Western Tiger Swallowtail” is constructed entirely from steel recycled parts, with the body consisting of a motorcycle tank welded to an automotive spring and pipe to reinforce the overall piece.

“I love the contrast of fusing rugged metal to embody the fine beauty of nature’s plants, birds and insects,” states Mustardseed.   Custom “Yerba Santa flowers” made from steel extend up and include lavender, green and metallic highlights to represent a realistic look.  The sculpture is an artistic compliment to the area foliage and nearby park setting and is highly visible for all to see.

Earlier this year the City invited artists to submit concepts for an original outdoor piece of art that would appeal to the community and enhance the area’s aesthetic value through the request for proposal process.   Many innovated designs were submitted, but artist LT Mustardseed’s piece “The Western Tiger Swallowtail” was chosen for its originality and relation to Santa Clarita as it included the native Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and plants indigenous to the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Santa Clarita strives to make all forms of art accessible to community members not only to enhance our environment, but inspire thought and conversation and add to our quality of life,” said Mayor Frank Ferry.  “Art is a vehicle for communication and expression, and ‘The Western Tiger Swallowtail’ sculpture is one of many we hope the community enjoys.”

Artist LT Mustardseed is a Los Angeles native and self-taught artist who creatively expresses herself though art.  At an early age, LT’s love of art grew and soon she was building 3D airplanes and forts from her grandfather’s scrap pile.  Her childhood influences stemmed from her father’s Mexican cowboy rodeos and car culture influences, and her mother’s southern pie making.  Her young adult years included joining the military and visiting more than 17 countries.  After years of active military duty, she landed in Manhattan and worked in an art gallery before returning home to Los Angeles.

“The Western Tiger Swallowtail” is part of the City of Santa Clarita City Council and Arts Commission’s efforts to provide residents of all ages with a variety of enriching art experiences through art in public spaces.  For more information about the City’s arts endeavors, please visit Common-Spaces.org.

For more information on “The Western Tiger Swallowtail” sculpture, contact Arts and Events Supervisor Jeff Barber at 661-250-3779.