I feel so blessed to work literally across the street from one of the incredible art installations by Quaker artist James Turrell.
At the DeYoung Museum of Art, in the sculpture garden, is a commissioned installation created by Turrell he calls "Three Gems." Like all of his work, it is minimalist to the extreme, with a strong emphasis on light and sky.
"Three Gems" is not viewed as much as it is entered and experienced. You find it toward the rear of the DeYoung garden, down a sloped path, under and archway, and around a corner, and then enter through an open doorway. Similar to his installation at PS1 in New York, the visitor sits on benches jutting from the curved walls. A circular opening in the roof allows you to view the sky. The light from the roof shines a spotlight into the room.
Upon first encountering "Three Gems" I felt a tremendous calm come over me. My companion and I sat there silently for several minutes, just absorbing the light and the passing of the clouds above. It was a perfect moment.
My office is literally five minutes away from it. It gives me great comfort to know I can retreat to it when I need a moment of peace and reflection. I would love to come back at dusk to experience the light changing.