A dazzling display of glass and sun on Lemoyne Street

by Kelly Erickson

Towering above the 1600 block of Lemoyne Street is an Echo Park landmark – an enormous glass sculpture taking shape of Madonna, or “The Giant Glass Virgin of Guadalupe.” Neighbors know this sculpture well, but even though artist and owner Randlett Lawrences started the installation in 2001, a lot of Echo Parkians have yet to experience it.

“Phantasma Gloria” aka Randyland is constantly being expanded, but the sculpture is about 24 feet high and 50 feet wide. It’s made from over 1,000 bottles and strung together with beads, rebar and wire. The swirls of colored glass refract light from the sun, as well as distort and twist the landscape beyond as you look through the water-filled vessels.

Check out www.facebook.com/RandylandLA for the location and artist information.