Imbrication

Description: The artwork consists of seventeen acid-stained, precast concrete sculptures in the shape of waveforms and a custom hatch cover.  The overall design features three complex waveforms at the center of the park, echoed by single waves propagating down the stairs and through the plaza, diving below and re-emerging from the ground plane.  As a whole, the sculptures embody both the tranquil and dynamic states of water through soft curves, hard edges and a dramatic "breaking-up" of one continuous waveform.  Water run-off from rooftops, paved surfaces and ground seepage is cleaned, recycled and piped through a catch basin drain located at the center of the artwork.  The catch basin is capped with a stainless steel custom hatch cover with a vortex pattern.  The waterpath is designed to be a subtle element, with intermittent flow based on storm paths.  When flowing, visitors will hear water echoing off the sculptures and flowing beneath their feet.  

Artist Statement: On this planet, water is the universal life force.  Where there is water, there is life, energy, and growth.  Fluid motion develops in five progressive stages:  instability, turbulence, separation, resistance, and fluidity.  Imbrication invites one to consider dynamic transitions and tranquil states in one’s own life within the natural setting of an urban parkscape.  The presence of water is a landmark of life.

Watch: Seattle Channel Profile of Artist Perri Howard (2007)

Location: Albert Davis Park/Lake City Civic Core, 12526 27th Avenue Northeast, Seattle WA 98125