Vinson Neighborhood Library
Artist: Elaine Bradford (Houston, TX)
Title: Pachikadi and His Flying Friends
Completion Date: February 2011
Funding Source: Percent for Art – City of Houston, General Services Department
Location: 3810 West Fuqua
Council District D
Elaine Bradford’s whimsical installation for the Vinson Neighborhood Library consists of a life-sized, crochet-covered Asian elephant that spews colorful yarn sweaters from its trunk onto nine Canadian geese suspended from the ceiling. The installation tells a story about geese wanting a little more color in their lives, and a fantastical elephant that lends them yarn from its own vibrant sweater. Bradford draws inspiration from children's stories such as those of Dr. Seuss, Hans Christian Andersen, and Lewis Carroll. The installation is an entry point for viewers not only to the library, but also into a world of imagination. It will lead them to explore books, nature, their own creativity, and the larger Houston community.
In addition to the sculptures, Bradford commissioned writer J.D. Ho and illustrator Rene Cruz to create a children’s short storybook.
Pachikadi and His Flying Friends at Vinson Neighborhood Library. Photo by Debra Ham.
The book cover of Pachikadi and His Flying Friends. Author J.D. Ho and illustrator Rene Cruz.
Pachikadi and His Flying Friends at Vinson Neighborhood Library. Photo by Debra Ham.
Elaine Bradford with Pachikadi. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Detail of the geese receiving their sweaters from Pachikadi. Photo by HAA.
Detail of the geese before installation. Photo courtesy of the artist.