Must-See Watershapes

– as media outlets would have you believe

Riding the Tides (25 years of WaterShapes)
Since its debut in February 1999 as an innovative print magazine, WaterShapes has spent the past 25 years exploring the art and science of water – and the oceans of possibilities waiting to be discovered along the way. As Eric Herman shares in this special retrospective, the long journey through the world of water has been its own unique reward.   ...
Mythic Beauty
Her name is Kópakonan, but she is also known as “The Seal Wife,” a mythical figure known as a “selkie.” Immortalized in Nordic legend, a stunning bronze stature celebrates the rich oceanic folklore of remote Faroe Islands, and the power of art in a dramatic aquatic setting. ...
Steps to a View
Unfolding during the heart of the pandemic, this beautiful remodel in the fabled Hollywood Hills gave JC Escudero an opportunity to work his renovation magic in a truly breathtaking and vintage setting. The result is a pool area that celebrates both the view and the property’s mid-century design. ...
Fit for Friends
Nestled on the banks of Lake Norman, NC, this project was created for a couple who love to entertain, enjoy the good life, and wanted something none of their neighbors had. The result is this balanced composition of form and function from Lea and George Frederick. ...
Powerful Presence
From its perch atop a tiered fountain, a massive black cat prowls the entrance to the sports arena like a warrior mascot. Emblematic of both High Point University’s competitive spirit and the priority the institution places on water’s presence, Fountain People executed the dramatic project with the help of an elite watershaping team. ...
The Hidden Wonder of Abiqua Creek
Time spent in the company of natural waters can become an obsession, and those experiences can fuel the creative spirit with inspiration and endless “design” ideas. Here Eric Herman recalls a day trip to a place in Oregon that stands as a perfect example of the serendipity of days devoed to seeking hidden wonders. ...
Guarding Mountain Waters
Located in the heart of Tuscany, the Colossus of the Apennines stands guard over the surrounding historic landscape like an ancient sentinel. Not only an imposing sculpture, the massive statue was also a remarkable example of early watershaping innovation. ...
Dazzling Assets
When commercial property owners are looking for a competitive edge that will attract visitors and customers, many turn to fountains. The sustained value of water displays has proven an effective investment across a spectrum of public-facing settings. Here’s a look at some successful examples. ...
Viva Versace!
The fabled Versace Mansion in Miami Beach is a place rich with history, luxury, style and even infamy. Now a boutique hotel, JC Escudero recently visited and photographed the historic property, taking a deep dive into the Versace legend, eclectic design tradition, and a rich taste of the good life. ...