Wit and Wisdom
Artist
Stuart Nakamura
MediumConcrete, painted steel, bronze plaques, painted aluminum and ceramic tiles
Dimensions168 x 32 x 15 in. (426.7 x 81.3 x 38.1 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift to the City of Seattle facilitated by the SouthEast Effective Development (SEED). Funding was provided by the City of Seattle Early Implementation Funds, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods' Matching Fund, Seattle Foundation.
Description: Two 118” painted steel pillars mounted on 24” cast concrete bases. Two animal images are welded on top the two pillars with additional images on the sides. The bases have 24 bronze tiles set into the concrete surface. Each proverb includes a proverb and image. The gateway pieces are 40” high mounted on 24” bases. They are made of cast concrete and topped by an 8” high molded steel apex. Each gateway piece has 25 ceramic tiles mounted on each side.
Artist Statement: The artwork at Hillman City is a collection of worldly wisdom captured in proverbs from many cultures- proverbs which reflect the wit and humor of life with precise clarity and show a depth of understanding which can only come from experience. These observations can only make us richer and wiser as we ponder their meaning.
Location: (multiple) Northwest and Southeast corner of Rainier Avenue South and South Orcas Street (pillars); Northwest corner of Rainier Avenue South and South Lucile Street (1st gateway); Southeast corner of Rainier Avenue South & South Mead Street (2nd gateway)
