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Umi: Colorado’s Soulful Sculpture

Erika Willitzer
4 hours ago
2 min read

Umi, the breathtaking sculpture by Daniel Popper in Colorado’s Aurora Highlands, is more than art—it’s a spiritual encounter with nature, femininity, and the Earth itself. Towering and serene, Umi invites visitors to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the living world around them.

Photo by: https://theaurorahighlands.com/art-in-the-park/

Photos by: https://theaurorahighlands.com/art-in-the-park/

In the heart of Hogan Park at Highlands Creek, a new kind of landmark rises—not of steel or stone, but of soul. Umi, the latest installation in Colorado’s Art in the Park series, is a towering, tree-like woman sculpted by internationally renowned artist Daniel Popper, known for his large-scale works that fuse humanity and nature.

What Is Umi?

Name Meaning: “Umi” means ocean in Japanese—a nod to the fluid, life-giving essence of nature.
Inspiration: Rooted in the Gaia theory by scientist James Lovelock, Umi embodies the Earth as a self-regulating organism. She’s a metaphor for the primordial mother, the ancestral goddess who nurtures all life.
Design: Umi merges the form of a woman and a tree, symbolizing growth, rootedness, and the sacred feminine.

📍 Where to Find Her

Location: Hogan Park at Highlands Creek, Aurora Highlands, Colorado
Art Walk: Umi is part of a 2-mile Art Walk featuring over 20 curated installations, each designed to inspire creativity, sustainability, and community connection.
Map & Info: Download the Art in the Park map

🌱Why Umi Matters

Environmental Symbolism: Umi is a visual reminder of our role as custodians of Earth, blending art and activism.
Emotional Impact: Her serene expression and organic form evoke peace, introspection, and reverence.
Community Connection: As part of a public art initiative, Umi is accessible to all—no ticket required, just curiosity and open eyes.

🖼️ About the Artist: Daniel Popper

Origin: South Africa
Style: Multidisciplinary, large-scale, figurative sculptures
Global Reach: His works have appeared in festivals, parks, and public spaces around the world—from Cape Town to Croatia, Miami to Mexico.

Umi isn’t just a sculpture. She’s a spiritual checkpoint—a place to breathe deeply, feel rooted, and remember that we are part of something vast, ancient, and alive. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, make time to meet her. She’ll change the way you see the Earth—and yourself.

Video by: https://theaurorahighlands.com/art-in-the-park/

Why Small Towns Should Invest in Public Art

Public art isn’t just beautiful — it’s an economic engine. Cultural travelers stay longer and spend more than other visitors, making them one of the most valuable groups a community can attract. The global art‑tourism market is also booming, valued at $45.22 billion in 2024 and projected to grow steadily through 2030.

For small towns, even a single iconic installation can become a destination driver, drawing visitors who are eager for authentic, meaningful experiences. Investing in public art doesn’t just elevate local pride — it brings new foot traffic, new spending, and new stories that put your town on the map.