Onward

Jon Seeman, 2022

This sculpture was created and donated by local artist Jon Seeman. Standing seven feet tall and measuring seven feet across, the abstract steel artwork, titled Onward, has been installed at the entrance of the site, in front of the iconic Red Barn.

Seeman worked with the City of Aliso Viejo’s historical consultant to select numerous items found onsite at the Ranch to create Onward. As with Seeman’s other works, the sculpture evokes a sense of motion frozen in time. Heavy steel forms, depicting farming implements such as horseshoes and harvesting tools, appear to float and align in an unexpected balance.

“The art piece represents the history of Aliso Viejo Ranch,” said Seeman. “Twelve ranch artifacts are incorporated into the design that appears as though it could be driven away. I built the sculpture at my studio in Laguna Beach and donated my time and steel support materials for the piece.”

Onward is his 43rd public sculpture, and the only donated piece in his 45 years as a sculptor.