The Whittaker:
A Fusion of Art and Environment in West Seattle
As the commissioned artist for The Whittaker in West Seattle, a building named in honor of Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, I had the unique opportunity to infuse the space with a series of outdoor sculptures that embody both the adventurous spirit of its namesake and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Each sculpture, a blend of corten steel, pebbles, stone, wood, and glass, was meticulously designed to harmonize with the environment. At the building's forefront, columns inspired by West Seattle's shoreline piers stand tall, inlaid with an intricate mix of pebbles, wood, and glass. This installation not only reflects the local maritime culture but also adds a touch of natural elegance to the urban landscape.
In the center of the block, a Cairn-like sculpture serves as a beacon of guidance and exploration, reminiscent of trail markers found in the wilderness. Opposite this, another sculpture represents the rugged terrain of mountains, with cedar logs stacked within, capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest's natural grandeur.
A particularly striking piece extends along the building's western side. This contemporary sculpture features large stones at either end, split and interlaced with glass and steel, offering viewers a 'window' through which they can observe the entire length of the artwork. Connecting these elements are posts that flow through the landscape, undulating like the natural contours of the earth.
These outdoor sculptures at The Whittaker are not just decorative elements; they are integral to the building's identity, enhancing the living experience for residents and visitors. They stand as a testament to the interplay of art, architecture, and nature, inviting onlookers to engage with and appreciate the blend of human creativity and the natural world.
Each sculpture, a blend of corten steel, pebbles, stone, wood, and glass, was meticulously designed to harmonize with the environment. At the building's forefront, columns inspired by West Seattle's shoreline piers stand tall, inlaid with an intricate mix of pebbles, wood, and glass. This installation not only reflects the local maritime culture but also adds a touch of natural elegance to the urban landscape.
In the center of the block, a Cairn-like sculpture serves as a beacon of guidance and exploration, reminiscent of trail markers found in the wilderness. Opposite this, another sculpture represents the rugged terrain of mountains, with cedar logs stacked within, capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest's natural grandeur.
A particularly striking piece extends along the building's western side. This contemporary sculpture features large stones at either end, split and interlaced with glass and steel, offering viewers a 'window' through which they can observe the entire length of the artwork. Connecting these elements are posts that flow through the landscape, undulating like the natural contours of the earth.
These outdoor sculptures at The Whittaker are not just decorative elements; they are integral to the building's identity, enhancing the living experience for residents and visitors. They stand as a testament to the interplay of art, architecture, and nature, inviting onlookers to engage with and appreciate the blend of human creativity and the natural world.
|
|
|
