Jeff Zischke 

SunDrops 

On display November 4–13, 2022

Sculptural fabrication for the artwork provided by 

Scottsdale 

SunDrops is a series of five internally lit sculptures suspended above the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Each sculpture emulates the shape of a graphic sun, creating powerful light patterns and refractions. The frames are made of aluminum tubing with formed plastic cones. Each unit contains eight computer-controlled projector LEDs with sustainable chip-on-board (COB) technology. These RGB lights will be programmed with a myriad of animated light shows that constantly change and morph into a variety of patterns and colors. The SunDrops are installed in a descending and ascending order relating to desert sunrises and sunsets.   

Biography 

Jeff Zischke is an artist and designer who explores the cutting edge of sculpture, public art, mixed media, furniture, lighting, and product design. His permanent and temporary art projects draw inspiration from organic shapes and modern technology. Using materials from bamboo to plastics, steel, and computer-controlled LED lighting, Zischke creates interactive installations that respond to nature and the urban environment. His sculptural environments invite people to form a personal and dynamic relationship with the art and the place. Each project becomes tied to its environment through the use of local materials and working processes, strengthening community connections.  

Zischke has participated in many artist residencies in a variety of locations, including I-Park, East Haddam, Connecticut; Belgrade, Serbia; Passy and Puget-Rostang, France; Lucknow, India; and Ann Arbor, Michigan, creating temporary artworks and installations. His work is found internationally in collections at the Guggenheim Museums in New York City and Bilbao, Spain and the cities of Nicosia, Cyprus; Kobe, Japan; Detroit, Michigan; and, in Arizona, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Phoenix. His lighting installations have been featured at Georgetown GLOW in Washington, D.C., and Luminaria in San Antonio, Texas. Zischke’s design work has been presented at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy; Designersblock in London; and the Core77 Design Awards. 

Zischke was invited to participate in the 2022 Canal Convergence as a returning artist in celebration of the event’s 10th anniversary. He was among the featured artists at the first Canal Convergence in 2012 with his artwork Nodal Water Garden. Zischke was also selected to exhibit at Canal Convergence in 2014 with Water Striders, making SunDrops his third art commission for the event.