Moments of Serenity, 2025

Sandra Bacchi

Artwork Location: West Entry Corridor
Materials: Glass and stainless-steel cables

The artist found inspiration for this sculpture in the Japanese-style gardens at UPMC Shadyside. The meticulously designed landscapes combine natural elements to create tranquil spaces. Like the gardens along Centre Avenue, her sculpture installation interprets nature with a minimalistic point of view.

The handmade glass elements evoke elements of light, air, and water. Light symbolizes the transformative power of awakening and the compassionate desire to alleviate suffering. Air represents movements and the invisible forces that sustain life. Water represents fluidity, adaptability, and the flow of life.

People passing by the artwork will notice how the colors and shapes of the glass change as they move along the corridor. The artist invites the viewer to slow down and be present with the colors, shapes, and movement of the glass.

The artist made each piece of glass in the kiln shop at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. She sourced sheets of colored glass from Wissmach Glass, a longtime glass fabricator based in West Virginia. Each wave-shaped piece was hand-cut, carefully layered, and then kiln-fired at 1400°F. The intense heat fused the layers into a single form.

Commissioned by UPMC with generous support from the Shadyside Hospital Foundation

_{The artist designed this suspended sculpture to fit perfectly within the existing window frames in the west entry. As people move through the corridor, they experience the flow and shifting colors of the artwork.}

_{To select the colors, the artist considered what would reference the elements of air, light, and water. She tested glass panels to find the perfect shape and color.}

_{The artist created each glass shape at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, located a few miles away from the hospital. Each “wave” is made from two pieces of glass fused together in a kiln - one clear, and one color.}

_{To suspend the sculpture, the artist needed to make channels for the cables to pass through. In this image, you can see her placing metal forms between the glass panels before they are fused in the kiln. When the glass was cooled, she removed the metal to reveal the spaces for the cables. Photo by Elan Mizrahi.}

_{The artist hired Extech Exterior Technologies, based in Sharpsburg, to install her project. Here, she watches as the first pieces are carefully hung from the window frames.}

_{The corridor was quiet at night, but a few patients and staff passed by. The artist was always happy to talk with them about the project and listen to their comments. After several nights, the installation was complete.}

_{Sandra’s careful placement of the artwork ensures it can be enjoyed during the daytime, and in the evening from the courtyard. The artwork invites people to find a quiet moment for themselves, slowing down and focusing on the colors, shapes, and composition of the sculpture.}

Learn more about artist Sandra Bacchi.