A Scottsdale artist has stretched herself, literally and figuratively, by creating and debuting the city’s largest public art sculpture. Charlene Falk created the installation, “Where We Walk.” It is composed of a main sculpture that stands 12 feet tall and stretches 10 feet wide and 12 corten steel panels that stretch along Main Street near 69th Street in Old Town. The project took two years to complete, from conception to installation. It is the first time the artist, who largely paints, has taken on sculpture.

“I felt incredibly honored to be trusted with such a task,” she says.

The piece is inspired by the natural world. “I wanted to create an installation that celebrates the collective human experience of the awe and wonder of our journey on this earth,” Falk says.

The artist shared more about the installation, her process, and what she’s working on next.

What inspired the installation “Where We Walk”?

“Where We Walk” is inspired by nature and the mystery of the unseen world in which we live. I wanted to create an installation that celebrates the collective human experience of the awe and wonder of our journey on this earth. While we each walk in unique ways, what ties us together is our appreciation of the beauty of nature.

The 12 panels—some over 30 feet in length – represent experiences of nature common to every human being. They are not specific geographical locations, but rather a shared encounter with the mysterious and miraculous world in which we live.

The main sculpture, approximately 12 feet in height and 10 feet wide, draws attention to the human dance through generations of time. The circles represent our planet and the finite moments we are privileged to live. The figured bodies move with the backdrop of the 12-panel scenes.

How did you create this piece?

“Where We Walk” took approximately two years to create and install. I hand-drew each panel and worked with a fabricator to have them laser cut. The main sculpture was carefully designed to support its heavy weight and to withstand the effect of wind. I chose corten steel for its organic properties, which are altered by weather – a mirror of nature itself.

The work spans two blocks—what was it like to take on a project of this scale?

This being my first sculpture, I felt incredibly honored to be trusted with such a task. My history in design helped me to understand the practical aspects of architecture and scale. I loved creating a life-size work where the viewer could walk within an experience to gain perspective of our human size in relation to the world around us.

What’s the best way for people to experience this piece?

“Where We Walk” is best experienced beginning on Main Street, entering from Goldwater Boulevard. There is a plaque with an introduction to the work as well as a QR code, which brings the viewer to my website with information about the meaning of “Where We Walk,” the original sketches and some photos of the construction of the main sculpture.

You also work across other art mediums. How did you get started as an artist?

My journey to becoming an artist began approximately 28 years ago as a way to heal from the loss of my daughter. Beginning as a painter, I used that moment to inform my artwork throughout the years. More recently, I have experimented with other mediums, including sculptural, and healing remains a constant theme in my work.

What’s your process for creating?

I begin by spending meditative time in nature, reading poetry and being curious, allowing ideas to flow without attaching to anyone. I plan and research a concept, then create a general color palette and outline. I allow my intuition to take over and am often surprised by the outcome.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on an abstract series of paintings entitled “Desert Mirage,” meant to reflect the Arizona landscape.

What’s inspiring you and your work heading into 2025?

My work has always been a spiritual and observational practice. This state of openness and curiosity allows for endless possibilities and is critical in my process. Moving into 2025, I am hoping to uncover more commonalities of the human experience and portray an even deeper understanding of the natural world.