Spindle
Wednesday, 5th July 2006 by Alex Turnbull
If I told you that this tall shadow in a car park in Berwyn, Illinois was cast by a huge sculpture made from eight real cars impaled on a massive metal spike, would you believe me? I know it sounds ridiculous, but if you've seen Wayne's World you might remember this artwork, which was created by Dustin Shuler in 1989 and is entitled 'Spindle'. If you look closely you can just make out the red Volkswagen Beetle at the top of the pile.
Thanks to Brian Schlosser and Joel Roller.
About the author
Alex has decided that his title will be Senior Vice President of Stuff.
Yeah! Berwyn! Resident here.
This sculpture is still somewhat divisive among the residents here as to whether it’s an eyesore or not. I personally love it. By the way, at the southwest corner of this plaza (on the west side of the small section that juts out is what I believe is a flattened Ford Pinto nailed onto the wall. The whole plaza is full of strange artwork.
Yes, I think I can make out the Arbre Magique – looks like sandlewood. Or maybe I need my eyes testing.
Just to the northwest is the first of a massive chain of cemeteries…
Oh, wait, this is in Illinois…make that a massive chain of residences for vitality-impaired voters…
Nice find! Wayne’s World immediately came to mind when I saw “cars” and “metal spike”.
Nice timing. I was just earlier this week talking to a friend about needing to go visit this sculpture some Saturday afternoon.
dues .. this is cool!!
we blogged a 3D model for GE a while back .. enjoy! http://znonz.blogspot.com/2006/04/car-spindle-berwin-illinois-3d-model.html
Heeey, cool, didn’t expect to see that here. I live a few blocks away from that plaza, and I’ve always loved that huge sculpture ^__^
A little joke played on rookie Berwyn police is to send them to a 6 car pile up at 22nd & Harlem
We’ve got a grassroots movement already going to make sure the Spindle stays in Berwyn. Please visit http://www.savethespindle.com.
Excellent!
Does anyone know if this fun piece of art is still standing? I recommend on my blog to visit it quick before it’s gone. I had read that it was scheduled to be removed (or moved) by now.
See my post here Spindle by Dustin Shuler.
Yes, as of December 3rd, 2007, the Spindle IS still standing. The rumor is that there are some issues between Walgreens and the City/Berwyn Main Street and their architectural vision for the new store.
Hopefully they can keep it (if not at its current position, then somewhere nearby)!
I’ve been told the Spindle has come down. š