In this episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, host Dash Hernandez interviews JEFRË, a globally recognized public artist known for transforming cityscapes worldwide. JEFRË is the creator of the world’s largest heart sculpture, a new landmark in Tradition, Port St. Lucie. The sculpture serves as a symbol of community, connection, and love. JEFRË discusses his journey from urban design to becoming a public artist and how a personal health event influenced his decision to focus on creating art that leaves a lasting impact. The interview explores the process behind the heart sculpture in Tradition and JEFRË’s approach to public art.
JEFRË’s Journey to Becoming a Renowned Public Artist
JEFRË began his career in urban design and planning before transitioning to public art after experiencing a life-changing heart attack at the age of 35. This event led him to reflect on his legacy and pursue public art as a means of creating lasting landmarks. Over the past 15 years, JEFRË has designed large-scale sculptures worldwide, each reflecting the culture, history, and aspirations of its location.
The World’s Largest Heart: Tradition’s New Landmark in Port St. Lucie
The heart sculpture in Tradition, Port St. Lucie, is recognized as the world’s largest heart. The idea for this sculpture originated from JEFRË’s collaboration with Tradition’s developers, who sought a signature piece to enhance the community. The heart, designed to symbolize love and resilience, is intended to represent the unity of the people in Port St. Lucie. The sculpture is compared to the St. Louis Arch in concept but designed to be more intimate and accessible.
Key Achievements and Global Impact
Beyond Port St. Lucie, JEFRË is known for significant works such as “The Victor,” a 28-story monument in the Philippines that surpasses the Statue of Liberty in height. This monument is dedicated to the global Filipino community, symbolizing their strength and resilience. JEFRË’s Filipino heritage influences his artistic vision, guiding his focus on creating public art that resonates on both personal and communal levels. His sculptures are often recognized as iconic symbols in the cities where they are located, contributing to local tourism and economic growth.
Art and Community: Creating Connections Through Public Art
JEFRË’s approach to public art involves thorough research into the history, culture, and people of the location. For the heart sculpture in Tradition, JEFRË studied the unique aspects of Port St. Lucie to create a site-specific piece that symbolizes the community’s identity. His public art is designed to serve as gathering places where people can connect and engage with the artwork and with each other.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
JEFRË advises aspiring artists to focus on passion and perseverance. He highlights the importance of loving what you do, which helps in overcoming challenges. He also emphasizes the need for artists to share their work, collaborate with others, and understand the practical aspects of art, such as budgeting and scheduling. JEFRË encourages artists to build supportive networks and to approach their work with an entrepreneurial mindset.
