Images(2)

The Forest Is Waiting

Artist Jean Whitesavage

Artist Nick Lyle

MediumHand forged steel

Dimensions.01:46" x 44.5" Bunchberry; .02:Oregon Grape 46" x 44.5"; .03: Stream Orchid 46" x 44"; 04:Western Bleeding Heart 46" x 44.5";.05:Trillium Buttons 36" diam x 12"d; .06:Red Huckleberry 6'6" x 5'6" x 1''; .07Sitka Willow Leaf Bench 7'long x 3'w x 1'5"h

ClassificationsIntegrated Art

Credit LineLibraries for All Bond 1% for Art funds

Description: On either side of the eastern main entrance to the library are large forged steel grilles. On the left the artwork depicts the plant Mahonia nervosa, commonly known as Oregon Grape. The right side represents Dicentra formosa, the Western Bleeding Heart. Two entry grilles are placed on the south side entry as well. These grilles represent Epipactus gigantean, the Stream Orchid on the left and Cornus Canadensis, or Bunchberry, on the right. All of these grilles appear as screens, their rectangular frames mimicking lines that occur on the building’s façade. Painted a stony light whitish-green color, they stand out strikingly from the dark walls.

Additionally, three ghostly pale and oversized sculptural Trilliums (Trillum ovatum) are attached to the building’s façade. Their unexpected forms act as “punctuation marks,” highlighting the building’s tower and signage. Inside the entry porch is a giant Sitka Willow Leaf bench (Salix sitchensis). Its functional quality relates it to its rich history as a plant which provided essential food and building material for native peoples. Finally, a substantial spray of Red Huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) is located next to the book drop. This piece is meant to be touched with berries the size of melons and leaves which are smooth and curving. Welcoming and protective this whimsical sculpture acts as a friendly greeter as visitors enter the library.

Location: Seattle Public Library, Delridge Branch, 5423 Delridge Way Southwest, Seattle WA 98106