Janet Echelman has developed aerial sculptures into 270 – foot (82 m) structures machine – woven from polytetrafluoroethylene and ultra – high – molecular – weight polyethylene and suspended from skyscrapers. Her sculptures have been displayed as public art, of ten as site – specific installations , and have won awards, delighted audiences, and provided interactive, memorable displays of amazement.

The lightweight surfaces of these sculptures shift and ripple with air currents, an effect which may be enhanced with projected light and fans . These are often installed so the audience may interact with the sculpture, reinforcing Echelman’s theme of interconnectedness.

Works include: 1.26 , which has been exhibited on five continents ; Her Secret Is Patience in downtown Phoenix; Water Sky Garden which premiered for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics; She Changes on the waterfront in Porto, Portugal; and Every Beating Second at San Francisco International Airport and more.

She is a graduate of Harvard University and currently serves on the Harvard Board of Overseers.