Evolving Wing and the Gravity of Presence

Description: A mixed media installation, drawing inspiration from “Paddle to Seattle,” an event that brings together many Pacific Northwest tribal groups, the artwork also makes connections to Seattle’s local aerospace industry. Four life size aluminum canoe gunnels are mounted on the wall, supported by yellow cedar paddles. Where the paddle blades enter the floor, the stone is carved to represent water ripples. Framing each end of the curved 72 foot wall are 11.5 foot yellow cedar paddles, blades raised vertically in a symbol of honor for the Duwamish and Suquamish nations. Emerging from the paddle blades, along the top of the wall are multiple wood ribs that transform to aluminum. The ribs allude to early aircraft wings and the wing flaps of two space shuttles named after the ships which plied local waters. At the center of the artwork are spun copper cones, which resemble both a shuttle's main thrusters and the cedar bark hats worn by paddlers for protection against the elements.

Artist Statement: A visual journey about honor, connection, contradiction and continuum.

Location:  City Hall, Floor 01, Lobby, At 5th Avenue entry, NW corner