Terra Firma

Terra Firma

  • Creator: Elizabeth Wolf
  • Date: 2003
  • Location: Boise Airport, 1st Floor, Rotunda
  • Types: inlay (process)
  • Materials: terrazzo, zinc
  • Collection: Site-Based Works, Airport Public Art

This terrazzo floor medallion offers a detailed map of Idaho, framed by its neighboring states, with Boise—the state capital—at its center. The design evokes the sense of a journey, illustrating the region one might explore on a day trip, while honoring the state's natural heritage. The map incorporates Idaho’s designated flora and fauna, such as the mountain bluebird and syringa flower, as well as river imagery and fish, reflecting the diverse ecosystems that define the landscape. The circular form mirrors the oculus cut into the mezzanine above, allowing for an optimal vantage point of the artwork. Measuring thirty-six feet in diameter, the medallion's colors—shades of green, blue, and earth tones—are drawn from the high desert environment of Idaho. A compass embedded within the design not only marks the cardinal directions but also extends a warm orientation to visitors arriving at Boise Airport.

View on Public Art Archive