For more than 50 years, LYMAN WHITAKER has explored the relationship between sculpture, movement, and the natural world. Today, he is internationally recognized for his wind sculptures™; kinetic works of art that transform an invisible force of nature into graceful, ever-changing movement.
Each wind sculpture™ is designed to respond to the wind rather than compete with it. In a gentle breeze, the forms move slowly and quietly; as conditions change, new patterns and relationships emerge. No two moments are exactly alike. This connection between art and environment is central to WHITAKER's work and one of the reasons his sculptures feel so naturally at home in gardens and landscapes.
Nature has long been an important influence on WHITAKER. Living and working in the dramatic landscape of southern Utah, he draws inspiration from organic forms, changing weather, and the rhythms of the natural world. His concern for the environment is also reflected in his work. Rather than simply occupying a landscape, his sculptures invite viewers to notice it, encouraging greater awareness of the wind, light, seasons, and surroundings.
Behind their seemingly effortless movement is decades of artistic and technical refinement. Each sculpture is handcrafted, carefully balanced, and engineered to combine artistic form with mechanical integrity. WHITAKER's creative process brings together sculpture and design in a way that allows the artwork to remain responsive to its environment while maintaining the craftsmanship required for long-term outdoor installation.
Before becoming known for kinetic sculpture, WHITAKER worked across a broad range of media, including bronze, ceramics, mobiles, mixed media, copper wall pieces, and public fountains. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Utah, where he studied under renowned sculptors Avard Fairbanks and Angelo Carvaglia. This foundation in both traditional sculpture and contemporary design helped shape an artistic career that has continued to evolve for more than five decades.
Over the years, WHITAKER's wind sculptures™ have become part of private gardens, public spaces, resorts, businesses, and large-scale installations throughout the United States and beyond. His work ranges from intimate sculptures designed for residential landscapes to monumental installations featuring multiple sculptures reaching more than 20 feet in height.
Despite that extraordinary range of scale, the experience of his work remains deeply personal: a moment of movement in the garden, a changing pattern caught from a favorite window, or a reminder to simply notice the wind.
That ability to bring art, nature, and everyday life together is at the heart of LYMAN WHITAKER's work.
“I care deeply about our ecosystem and the world's societal impact upon it. As an artist, I can express my concern for the survival of our planet through a creative medium. The wind sculptures™ offer a comforting release from our fast-paced lives through their calm serenity and playfulness. I hope that my sculptures generate a sense of delight that can be shared and enjoyed by a broad array of people.”
Our Partnership with LYMAN WHITAKER
For more than 20 years, Wiford Gallery, home to the largest LYMAN WHITAKER wind sculpture™ garden, has proudly represented the work of LYMAN WHITAKER, one of the world's most recognized kinetic sculptors.
During that time, we have assisted collectors, landscape designers, architects, and institutions in selecting and placing thousands of wind sculptures™ in private gardens, public places, and landscapes throughout the United States and abroad.
Our long-standing relationship with LYMAN WHITAKER and his studio provides us with firsthand knowledge of his sculptures, materials, finishes, installation requirements, and collection.
This experience allows us to guide through every stage of the process—from selecting the right sculpture for a particular setting to planning placement, installation, and long-term enjoyment.
20+ Years Representing LYMAN WHITAKER
Direct Studio Relationship
Thousands of wind sculptures™ placed
Worldwide Installations
After more than 20 years representing LYMAN WHITAKER, we understand how wind sculptures™ interact with different landscapes, climates, and environments. Whether a collector is installing a single sculpture in a residential garden or creating a large-scale landscape installation, our team provides recommendations informed by years of direct experience with the artist's work.
Why Collectors Love Wind Sculptures™
Collectors are drawn to LYMAN WHITAKER wind sculptures™ for their graceful movement, timeless design, and lasting craftsmanship. Designed to complement a variety of landscapes, these kinetic sculptures bring beauty, tranquility, and year-round enjoyment to outdoor spaces.
MOVEMENT
Gracefully moves in 2–3 mph winds and withstands winds exceeding 90 mph.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Handcrafted and signed by the artist.
DESIGNED FOR LIFE OUTDOORS
Engineered for decades of outdoor enjoyment.
MEANING
Often chosen to commemorate milestones, memories, and meaningful moments.
Why Collectors Choose Wiford Gallery
For more than two decades, Wiford Gallery has helped collectors discover and acquire exceptional works of art. Since 2002, we have built lasting relationships with collectors by providing knowledgeable guidance, personalized service, and thoughtful approaches to collecting.
Our team works closely with clients to understand their goals, spaces, and preferences, helping them select artwork that complements both their landscape and lifestyle. Whether assisting with a single sculpture or a large-scale installation, we guide collectors through every stage of the process—from selection and visualization to installation planning and long-term enjoyment.
Collectors choose Wiford Gallery not only for the artists we represent, but for the experience, expertise, and trusted relationships we have built over the years.
Choosing a wind sculpture™? Our Collector's Guide can help you find the perfect piece for your space.
Wiford Gallery Collector Stories
Jonna L.
“Our house was burned to the ground in the Eaton fires. The only thing that survived was our wind sculpture™. PLEASE pass this along to Mr. Whittaker. It is a little warped and blackened, but it still spins happily away. It gives me and my family joy every single day. Our beautiful sculpture is sitting in a pot in our refugee lease home in Burbank, CA. We intend to purchase a larger “sister piece” when we finish reconstruction in 2 to 3 years. For us, it this is a symbol of hope persistence, and survival. I am an artist. I lost all of my work and 40 years of collection. This is pretty much all I have left. Thank you for the joy!”
A Collector says
"We couldn’t be more pleased with the wind sculpture™ we purchased from Wiford Gallery. It is beautiful and looks as perfect as it did the day we bought it six years ago! My husband and I gave it to each other as an anniversary gift so It will always be special to us. Love it!"
Judy and Nigel P.
“It doesn’t seem like too many years ago that we came across the Wiford Gallery. We were fascinated by the wind sculptures™ and drove home talking about them. Not much time passed, and we were back deciding on which one we wanted. We had “out of town guests” who helped us decide on the Double Spinner. Soon we were back to get a couple from the Element Series, Earth and Water, to place on each side. These were followed by the Desert Flame and most recently the Agave. They have never ceased to provide relaxing fascination. It is always so nice to look out into the back garden and see our collection of art moving in the breeze. We recently added some solar flood lights so that even in darkness we can enjoy them. Finally, the mechanical integrity is outstanding. The first sculpture works perfectly, just like the most recent addition.”
Donna and Walter R.
"Loving our new outdoor art work! It has great presence in our yard and provides a calm serenity. We are looking for to watching the copper age over time. Thank you for helping us choose the perfect piece"
Rachel F.
"Thank you so much! It took a bit of scheduling to find someone to pour the concrete, but it was installed last night. I'm in love! I just sat outside with a glass of wine and just watched it. I'll also get a better one that shows it off better, but our cats seemed interested as well, which is why they're in the pic."
Tell Us Your Story
Whether your sculpture welcomes guests to your garden, commemorates a special occasion, or has become part of your daily life, we invite you to share your experience with us.
Submit your photographs and tell us how your sculpture has become part of your landscape. With your permission, your story may be featured to inspire other enthusiasts, or inspire others for their collection and celebrate the unique spaces these works now call home.
Your privacy matters to us. With your permission, we may share your first name, last initial, and location when featuring your story on our website or social media. We will never share any additional personal information.
Share Your StoryHonoring a Loved One with a Wind Sculpture™
For many collectors, a LYMAN WHITAKER wind sculpture™ becomes more than a work of art—it becomes a lasting tribute to someone they love.
Some collectors like to mark a special date with a wind sculpture like a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation, a promotion or the birth of a child.
Unlike flowers or traditional memorials, a wind sculpture™ brings gentle, ever-changing movement to the landscape. Its quiet rhythm offers moments of reflection and serves as a beautiful reminder that memories continue to live on in the places we cherish most.
It's one of the reasons LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures are often found in healing gardens, memorial gardens, and other spaces created for peace and reflection. Whether placed in a favorite garden, beside a patio, or overlooking a meaningful view, many families find comfort in creating a living memorial that can be enjoyed every day.
If you're considering a sculpture to honor a loved one, we'd be honored to help you select a piece that feels meaningful for your family.
Explore the LYMAN WHITAKER wind sculptures™Santa Fe Hotel Partners
Experience kinetic sculpture throughout the heart of Santa Fe.
For more than two decades, Wiford Gallery has partnered with some of Santa Fe's most celebrated destinations to bring art into spaces where visitors gather, reflect, and create lasting memories.
Guests can experience LYMAN WHITAKER wind sculptures™ beyond Wiford Gallery at several of our Santa Fe hotel partners, including La Posada de Santa Fe, Inn of the Governors, and Inn and Spa at Loretto.
These partnerships reflect our belief that art should be experienced beyond the walls of a gallery, creating a unique connection between people, landscape, and the natural movement of the wind.
Stay, explore, and experience WHITAKER's signature movement throughout your time in Santa Fe.
We invite you to discover some of Santa Fe's most celebrated destinations. Whether you are visiting Wiford Gallery or staying at one of our partner locations, the downloadable directions below will help guide your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not Sure Where to Start?
How to choose the right LYMAN WHITAKER sculpture is one of the questions we hear most often. That's why we created our complimentary Collector Guide—a step-by-step resource that walks you through everything from selecting the right size to preparing your landscape for installation.
Read the LYMAN WHITAKER Collector GuideHow do I choose the right LYMAN WHITAKER sculpture?
Choosing a wind sculpture™ is about more than selecting a design you love—it's about finding the piece that feels at home in your landscape. The right sculpture depends on where you'll enjoy it most, the scale of your space, and the style of movement that speaks to you.
To help collectors through that process, we've created a complimentary LYMAN WHITAKER Collector Guide filled with expert advice on choosing the right size, finding the perfect location, understanding the ordering process, and preparing for installation.
Where do I put my wind sculpture™?
The best place for your wind sculpture™ is where you'll enjoy it most.
Many collectors choose a location that's visible from inside their home, such as a kitchen window, living room, or favorite sitting area. Others create a focal point near an entryway, along a garden path, beside a water feature, or in an open lawn where the sculpture can be appreciated from multiple angles.
When choosing a location, consider both visibility and movement. A sculpture placed in an open area with consistent airflow will naturally move more often than one surrounded by dense landscaping or tall structures. It's also important to think about scale—a sculpture should feel balanced within its surroundings and complement your home's architecture and landscape.
If you're unsure where to begin, our LYMAN WHITAKER Collector Guide includes additional guidance on selecting the right location, choosing the appropriate size, and preparing for installation. And if you'd like personalized recommendations, we're happy to review photos of your property and suggest locations that will showcase your sculpture beautifully.
Can I have more than one sculpture?
Absolutely! Many collectors begin with a single sculpture and return later to add another as their landscape evolves.
Multiple sculptures create movement throughout your property while giving each outdoor space its own personality. A taller sculpture might become the focal point of an entryway or open lawn, while a smaller design adds interest to a courtyard, garden path, or seating area.
Because every sculpture responds independently to the breeze, multiple sculptures create an ever-changing landscape that's both dynamic and harmonious.
Can I special order a sculpture?
Yes! If you're looking for a particular sculpture, finish, or size, we'd be happy to help.
Whether you're searching for a favorite design, looking for a sculpture that's currently unavailable, or have questions about available options, our team can work directly with the studio to determine what's possible.
Can I commission a sculpture?
Yes. While many collectors choose from LYMAN WHITAKER's existing designs, custom commissions are also available for select private residences, commercial properties, public spaces, and special projects.
Every commission begins with a conversation. Together, we'll discuss your property, vision, installation location, budget, and timeline. From there, the Whitaker Studio develops a custom proposal designed specifically for your project. Throughout the process, the design is refined collaboratively to ensure the finished sculpture complements both the landscape and the setting it was created for.
Whether you're looking to create a signature entrance, enhance a sculpture garden, or design a one-of-a-kind installation, we're happy to guide you through every step of the commission process.
Are all sculptures signed?
Yes. Every authentic LYMAN WHITAKER wind sculpture™ is individually signed by the artist, making each piece a genuine work of art. This signature is one of the details collectors appreciate most and reflects the craftsmanship that goes into every sculpture.
How do LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures move?
Every LYMAN WHITAKER sculpture is thoughtfully engineered to create smooth, effortless movement. Each sculpture is individually balanced around a sealed, high-quality stainless steel aerospace grade frictionless bearing that allows it to rotate freely in even gentle breezes.
Rather than spinning mechanically, the sculptures respond naturally to changing wind conditions. A light breeze creates slow, graceful movement, while stronger winds bring more dynamic motion—all while maintaining the balanced elegance that has become LYMAN WHITAKER's signature.
Can they stay outside year-round?
Yes. LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures are designed to be enjoyed outdoors throughout every season.
Rain, snow, sunshine, heat, and changing temperatures are all part of the environments these sculptures were created for. Many collectors tell us their favorite moments come during seasonal transitions—watching the sculpture move among spring blooms, stand against vibrant autumn color, or gently rotate after a fresh snowfall.
How much wind do they need?
One of the things collectors love most is how effortlessly a LYMAN WHITAKER sculpture moves. Thoughtfully engineered and carefully balanced, each sculpture begins responding to breezes as light as 2–3 mph, creating smooth, graceful movement throughout the day. Whether it's a gentle morning breeze or a steady afternoon wind, your sculpture becomes a constantly changing part of the landscape.
You might also be wondering…
Will my sculpture move every day?
Movement depends on your local weather, but many collectors are surprised by how often their sculpture moves. Because LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures begin responding to breezes as light as 2–3 mph, even subtle air currents that often go unnoticed can create graceful movement. Wiford Gallery estimates that wind sculptures™ move 90% of the time.
Will it spin too fast in strong winds?
No. While the sculptures become more active as the wind increases, they're engineered for smooth, controlled movement rather than rapid spinning. Each sculpture is carefully balanced to perform beautifully across a wide range of wind conditions and, when properly installed, is designed to withstand winds exceeding 90 mph.
How durable are they?
Every LYMAN WHITAKER sculpture is handcrafted from high-quality materials designed for decades of outdoor enjoyment. When properly installed, the sculptures are engineered to withstand winds exceeding 90 mph while continuing to move beautifully in much lighter breezes.
From the balanced arms to the precision-engineered rotating mechanism, every sculpture is built with durability and longevity in mind. With proper installation and routine maintenance, many collectors enjoy their sculptures for decades, often passing them down to future generations.
Wiford Gallery has received hundreds of hurricane stories, and even a couple of tornado stories where structures were blown away but the wind sculptures™ remained.
Will the finish change over time?
Yes, and that's part of the beauty.
Depending on the finish you choose and the environment where your sculpture is installed, you'll notice subtle changes over time as the sculpture develops character. These natural variations are expected and contribute to the sculpture's unique appearance.
Stainless steel sculptures do not change.
If you have questions about a specific finish or your local climate, we're happy to help you understand what to expect.
Will it rust?
LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures are handcrafted using high-quality materials selected for long-term outdoor use.
Depending on the finish and your environment, you'll notice natural weathering and the development of character over time, but this is different from structural deterioration. If you live in a coastal area or have questions about your local climate, we're happy to recommend the best care practices.
Wiford Gallery has placed wind sculptures™ all over the world in many coastal areas and other extreme climates.
Should I bring it inside during winter?
No. LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures are designed to remain outdoors year-round and can be enjoyed through every season.
Many collectors find winter to be one of the most beautiful times to enjoy their sculpture, especially when it's accented by frost or freshly fallen snow.
How long does it take?
Most LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures are handcrafted and ready to ship within up to six weeks and sometimes longer for sizes XL and above.
Occasionally, select sculptures may be available immediately from our gallery. If you're hoping to receive a sculpture for a special occasion or specific installation date, please let us know, we're happy to discuss current availability and timelines.
Do you ship the sculptures?
Yes. We proudly ship LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures throughout the United States and internationally.
Every sculpture is carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely, and we're happy to coordinate shipping directly to your home, landscape contractor, or project site.
How are sculptures packaged?
Each sculpture is carefully protected and shipped in a custom wooden crate or box designed to safeguard it during transit.
When your sculpture arrives, you'll also receive installation instructions and guidance to help make the installation process straightforward and stress-free.
Is installation difficult? Can I install it myself?
Not at all. Most collectors are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the installation process is.
We'll provide a detailed installation guide along with your sculpture, and after helping collectors install thousands of LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures over more than 20 years, we're always available if questions come up along the way.
Our goal is to make the process as enjoyable as purchasing the sculpture itself.
Most sculptures can be installed by one or two people using the installation guide included with your sculpture.
If you'd rather have someone else complete the installation, a local landscaper, gardener, or contractor can easily install it as well.
Do I need concrete?
It depends on the sculpture and where it will be installed.
Some sculptures require a concrete footing for added stability, while others can be installed using alternative mounting methods. We'll provide installation recommendations specific to your sculpture and are always happy to answer questions before installation begins.
Can my landscaper install it?
Absolutely.
Most landscape professionals are very comfortable installing LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures. We'll provide clear installation instructions, and if your landscaper has questions, we're happy to speak with them directly.
What tools will I need?
The tools required depend on the sculpture and installation method, but most installations involve common tools along with the materials needed for the foundation.
Your installation guide includes a complete list of recommended tools and materials, so you'll know exactly what's needed before you begin.
What if I have questions during installation?
Just ask!
Whether you're installing the sculpture yourself or working with a landscaper, we're only a phone call or email away. After helping collectors with installations for more than two decades, chances are we've answered your question before—and we're always happy to help.
How much maintenance is required?
Very little.
LYMAN WHITAKER sculptures are designed for years of outdoor enjoyment with minimal maintenance. The sealed stainless steel aerospace grade frictionless bearing requires no routine lubrication, and occasional cleaning is generally all that's needed to keep your sculpture looking its best.
How do I maintain my LYMAN WHITAKER sculpture's moving parts?
LYMAN WHITAKER Studio recommends applying a small amount of lubricant about once a year or if your sculpture begins to "chatter" or make noise while turning. This is very rare even after many years. You'll receive detailed maintenance instructions with your installation packet, including guidance specific to your sculpture.
If you ever have questions about maintenance or aren't sure if it's time to lubricate your sculpture, we're always happy to help.
How do I clean it?
For most sculptures, occasional cleaning with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth is all that's needed.
Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could affect the finish. If your sculpture is installed in a coastal environment or beneath trees where pollen, sap, or salt may accumulate, a little more frequent cleaning can help keep it looking its best.
Avoid WD 40. We recommend white lithium grease if needed to lube the piece.
What if my sculpture stops spinning?
This is very rare. The first thing to check is the environment around the sculpture. Changes in nearby landscaping, new fencing, or seasonal growth can sometimes reduce airflow enough to affect movement.
If your sculpture previously moved regularly and you've noticed a change, we're happy to help troubleshoot. In most cases, the solution is simple, and our team can walk you through the next steps.
Still Have Questions?
Every landscape is unique, and we'd love to help. Whether you're choosing your first sculpture, comparing sizes, or preparing for installation, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Wiford Gallery or schedule a consultation—we're always happy to share our experience.