The Secret in PHX

Downtown Phoenix has always been known for its art all over the city. It comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it’s a mural, sculpture or architecture. Located in the middle of downtown is But Her Secret is Patience, by Janet Echelman. The sculpture brings out the true passion for art around the city. Often called the giant jellyfish or the big net by Arizona State University students and Phoenicians, this massive floating sculpture actually represents something very close to the desert.

What inspired her?

Echelman’s inspiration for the sculpture came from two sources. The first source she played off of was the Arizona sky. At night, it is lit up with different colors of blue, purple and red to showcase the Arizona sunsets. The second inspiration she got was from one of the most abundant things in Arizona: Cacti! The sculpture is said to represent a Saguaro cactus blossom. Saguaro’s are very common in the desert and when in blossom produce very colorful flowers.

But why the name?

The sculpture got its name from a poet and philosopher named Ralph Waldo Emerson. The full line reads: “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” Before the name was officially declared by Echelman, it was originally coined by Arizonans as Sky Bloom.

Did she build EVERYTHING?

Not exactly. Although she added much of the creative work to it, she also had help from:

The Phoenix Arts and Culture Office

EDAW, M3 engineers from Tucson

Speranza Architecture in Barcelona

Buro Happoid form New York

ForeSite Design and Construction

Diamond Nets of Washington State

NETServices

Since 2007, But Her Secret is Patience has garnered a lot of attention being in the middle of downtown next to the light rail and ASU. It varies in what people call it, but never fails in getting someone’s attention as they walk by.