Helper Utah

Created with the support of Carbon County, this piece hangs on the outside of the Helper Railroad and Mining Museum. This carved sculpture is not only a testament to the town’s rich history and natural beauty but also an invitation for visitors to explore and appreciate the city.

The sculpture serves as an abstract representation of Helper’s majestic cliffs, towering mesas, and enchanting canyons. Using intricately carved indigenous woods, such as locally sourced Cottonwood, Pinion Pine, and Juniper, we captured the textures inspired by Helper’s surrounding landscapes. Fractured, layered, and eroded, the piece bears witness to the enduring impact of wind and weather over countless eons.

Among the materials used, Black Walnut symbolizes the prolific coal seams that once fueled migration to this rugged and challenging desert region. The sculpture’s location at Helper’s Railroad and Mining Museum pays homage to the railroad and mining roots that have attracted diverse cultures, making Helper one of America’s most vibrant small town melting pots.

The sculpture was created using the revolutionary engineering technology of Ripples Design Studio, which we expect to grow to be a significant employer of local residents.