Heaven and Earth Sculpture by Heloise Crista

"If you imagine that Genesis is about the creation of the world and the solar system, you are making a great mistake. Genesis is an esoteric book, not a scientific book, and deals with man and what he can become. When it says that 'in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,' it refers to MAN who has the possibility of reaching a higher level of development." (Nicoll, 1996)

Heloise Crista joined the Taliesin Fellowship in 1949, not to become an architect, but rather to be in "the atmosphere of such ideas and such people as Mr. and Mrs. Wright and the community of apprentices." While at Taliesin, Heloise studied dance under Olgivanna and Frank Lloyd Wright’s daughter, Iovanna, and was a respected and extremely talented performer. In addition to dance, Heloise specialized in making highly-decorated, intricate costumes and sets for the performances, known then as "movement performances." Her performances and creations were influenced by her study of the philosophy of Russian mystic George Gurdjieff, which she continued throughout her life.

Over time, however, Heloise became known for her sculpture, an interest sparked at Taliesin. Her first major work was a bronze bust of Wright, in 1956, which remains on display in the Garden Room at Taliesin West. Her sculptures have been incorporated throughout the campus at Taliesin West—where they continue to inspire visitors—and throughout structures designed by the Taliesin Associated Architects, the architecture firm created by apprentices of Wright, following his passing.