Art is everywhere in Portland, even on the outside of private homes. Photographer Jay York, who specializes in shooting the work of other local artists, recently installed this massive sunflower sculpture on his house/studio, a converted church on Wilmont Street in Bayside. You can see it from the Whole Foods Market parking lot, and you may be able to catch a glimpse of it as you're zipping past on I-295.

The striking sculpture, which I photographed from Oxford Street, is the work of prolific artist Patrick Plourde of New Gloucester. He's known for using salvaged wood, metal and other objects and transforming them into sleek, organic and sometimes whimsical forms. Pat's furniture can be found in private homes and at restaurants around town, including Street & Co., Standard Baking Company and Whole Foods. Those who collect his work include Ralph Lauren and Robert De Niro.

The sculpture is crafted from a number of salvaged objects. The center is made from an old, overturned steel kettle which has been studded with antique nails. The petals are made from white cedar salvaged from old pickle barrels and covered in a yellow milk wash.

When I asked Jay how he got the sculpture onto the side of his house, he said: "It took three of us, a come-along and a 30-foot ladder."

I'm glad Jay and his crew made the effort, because each time I see this radiant sculpture it makes me smile and reminds me of why I love Portland.