'Pioneer' is a permanent, large-scale wooden sculpture constructed at the Tippet Rise Art Center in Fishtail, Montana by Artist Stephen Talasnik. This documentary examines the sculpture's journey from inspiration to design — problem solving, fabrication and installation.

Informed by Space Architecture of the early 60's, it was engineered by Arup and crafted by Gunnstock Timber Frames using yellow cedar from the Northwest US. The piece is influenced by traditions of 20th century visionary architecture. In dialogue with the natural setting of a geological "bowl", the artist examines the influence of exploration on his creative process.