THE SENTINEL: Elk Head Mount (A Boulevard East Initiative)

Noble Strength. The Architecture of Restoration. A Vision for Weehawken.

“The Sentinel” is a visionary Stone-Couture project designed to stand as a landmark for environmental change. My goal is to install this majestic Elk sculpture near the Elks Club on Boulevard East, serving as a symbolic protector of the Weehawken slopes and a catalyst for the movement to clean the debris from our historic cliffs.

The Vision: A Monument for the Palisades

The Elk is a symbol of stamina, community, and celestial connection. By placing this high-alpine spirit on the edge of the Hudson, we create a dialogue between the urban skyline and the wild soul of the land.

• The “Stone” Spirit: Using my signature Stone-Couture method, the Elk will be sculpted to look as though it were carved directly from the trap rock of the Palisades. It is designed to feel like an ancient part of the landscape that has finally “emerged” to watch over us.

• The Fibonacci Antlers: The massive, sweeping rack of the Elk provides the perfect canvas for the Fibonacci formula. By engineering the branching of the antlers according to the Golden Ratio, I am highlighting the mathematical perfection found in nature—a harmony we aim to restore to our local environment.

• The Hadid Influence: Every curve of the neck and snout follows the Parametric principles of Zaha Hadid. The form is fluid and “liquid,” suggesting motion even in its solid, stone-like state.

The Mission: Cleaning the Slopes

This project is the centerpiece of a community-driven effort to restore the beauty of the Boulevard East slopes.

• Art as a Catalyst: “The Sentinel” is meant to draw the eye of every passerby, reminding us that the debris below the cliffs is a call to action. It stands as a guardian of the view and a protector of the earth.

• Community Pride: By collaborating with local landmarks like the Elks Club, this sculpture becomes a point of unity for Weehawken residents who value both high art and a clean, sustainable neighborhood.

Technical Mastery: The Future Build

1. Structural Engineering: Building a massive, lightweight foam skeleton to support the expansive weight of the elk’s antlers without traditional heavy masonry.

2. Stone-Couture Finish: Applying a specialized mineral-rich tile glue and texturing it to mimic the rugged, weathered patina of the local cliffs.

3. Architectural Integration: Designing the mount to integrate seamlessly with the vertical landscape of Boulevard East, creating a 3D experience for everyone walking the “Gold Coast.”

Product Specifications

• Project Status: In Development (Nearest Future).

• Location Concept: Near Elks Club, Boulevard East, Weehawken.

• Medium: Mixed Media Stone-Couture.

• Artist: Yulia Pokalo Art (YPA).

A Call to Restore the Horizon

“The Sentinel” is for the neighbor, the activist, and the collector who believes that art should serve a higher purpose. Supporting this project means supporting the cleaning of our slopes and the preservation of the majestic Weehawken waterfront.