Sculptor’s Career Gets Lift at Airport

Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical drawings of birds inspired sculptor Jim Jenkins to craft a massive but graceful pair of aluminum wings that soon will greet Van Nuys Airport travelers before they take to the skies themselves.

Jenkins, 41, of Costa Mesa, will install the work Saturday at the San Fernando Valley airport’s Southwest Aviation Complex. Driven by a small quiet motor, “Alaris”--Latin for “winglike”--stands at 15 feet, weighs 600 pounds and boasts a 20-foot wing span.

“The whole thing takes on an angelic-like persona,” Jenkins said. “It’s my first public sculpture so I am very excited about this.”

Attached to a foundation that hides its hypnotic-sounding motor, the skeletal wings flap slowly in a way similar to the waves of fans at baseball games.

“Alaris” was commissioned by Southwest Aviation, which leases airport land. Nick Mosich, a company owner, had viewed Jenkins’ work in galleries. “I’d seen his work at a couple of shows and through mutual friends met him and liked his [works’] movement and wanted a kinetic piece.”

Jenkins, a three-year Costa Mesa resident, teaches sculpture at Cal State Fullerton and shows in galleries throughout Southern California. He lives with his wife, artist Karen Thayer, 42, and two affectionate Labrador mixes.

Their Presidio Drive home serves as a buzzing gallery of Jenkins’ moving sculptures and Thayer’s ceramics, including a coffee table in the shape of California.

With “Alaris” looming over the yard, the place can trick the eyes.

“All you can see are the wings,” Thayer said. “It looks like the house is going to take off.”

The neighbors are supportive. An airplane pilot lives next door.