Quantum Embrace is a steel sculpture nestled above the Pryse Gardens on the west side of the Park. The sculpture was fabricated using Corten, a steel alloy designed to develop a rusted patina when exposed to the elements. Corten has been used for decades for both architectural and artistic purposes and is a favorite material for large outdoor sculptures. Corten was chosen for Quantum Embrace for the orange/brown patina that changes over time, and which brings an additional design element to the sculpture. Four feet by eight feet sheets of Corten were cut, shaped and welded into the various pieces which make up each of the three individual components. The individual pieces were then welded together to form the three major elements of Quantum Embrace. The sculpture was donated to Lakeshore Park in September 2025 by the artist, Jim Parris.
Jim Parris was born and raised in Kingston, TN and attended the University of Tennessee where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. He become a partner with the firm Bernstein Stair & McAdams, practicing commercial law until his retirement.
In his 40s, Jim started taking an interest in large outdoor sculptures. He took a non-credit course at the University of Tennessee where he caught the creativity bug and became self-taught in the art of metal sculpture and furniture and soon filled his garage with welding equipment. Jim attended nationally recognized workshops at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina and Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado and started making sculptures. His work has been shown at the Emporium in Knoxville, Art in Public Places in Knoxville, ArtFields in Lake City, South Carolina and other venues. He’s also fabricated pieces for others which have been exhibited in Knoxville and other cities throughout the South.
Despite having lived, schooled and worked solely within the state of Tennessee he developed a passion for travel which he has been privileged to enjoy extensively both domestically and abroad. These travels have continued to inspire his personal interest in large outdoor public art. Retirement has freed up time and mental space to pursue this form of art and Quantum Embrace is the latest expression of his artistic ambitions. The donation of Quantum Embrace is made in recognition of all who support, enjoy and appreciate the beauty and Lakeshore Park.
