Inflight

Inflight emerges from its podium like a figure frozen in motion. Located at the picturesque Des Moines Marina on Puget Sound, this thought-provoking sculpture invites visitors to pause and admire it as they stroll along the water. Its forms twist as if the material were caught stretching upward, folding in on itself, refusing to settle. Each rounded curve feels organic, almost bodily, but abstract enough to stay mysterious. From one angle, it suggests a figure in motion; from another, a gust of wind frozen in time.

About the Artist:

Hank Nelson (1937-2022) was a visionary sculptor whose work fused meticulous craftsmanship with deep philosophical inquiry, creating powerful forms that explore social injustices, environmental tensions, and the human condition while radiating an underlying optimism about humanity’s potential. Largely self-taught, he worked across a wide range of materials, from granite, marble, and basalt to metals and found industrial objects, bringing together fluid intuition and disciplined technique to shape sculptures that invite viewers into thoughtful dialogue. Nelson founded Cloudstone Sculpture Park on Whidbey Island as a living gallery for his monumental, contemplative creations, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to challenge and inspire. (Source: Cloudstone Sculpture Park).