Towers of Burble and Conversation Clusters

Description: Towers of Burble consists of eight stacked stone forms arranged within a circular spray park in the park’s main plaza. The artwork functions as a water feature in the warmer months of the year. Five of the forms within the spray park are plumbed for water and fitted with integrated spray nozzles, and three shorter, un-plumbed, “dry” forms are just beyond the perimeter of the spray park. Several askew elements give the artwork a sense of whimsy and playfulness, as does the aim of the various water nozzles. The general scale, approachability, and force of the water are geared towards young children. On one of the dry forms near the Yesler Way entrance to the plaza, is an engraved text acknowledging the indigenous people who first called this area home, preceding all others.

Conversation Clusters are in four locations around the park, arranged in small, pod-like groups. The work is created in the same three colors of granite and in similar vernacular, as the Towers of Burble. Two clusters are situated off adjacent gravel pathways under trees, two are located on paved areas with views of the soccer pitch and basketball court. Each cluster consists of two stacked stone forms in misaligned layers of black, white and red granite. The stone forms function as stools, a bench, or a table. On each of the eight total stone seating forms, one layer is engraved with a curved line of text. The text is sourced from proverbs, and a song, in languages relevant to this neighborhood’s history of immigrant groups, along with a quote in English by a contemporary Seattle artist who grew up in the nearby Central District. A sign with translations of the text, and key to their locations, will be posted near the entry to the adjacent Yesler Community Center. Additionally, included in each cluster are one to two cast bronze stools deriving from some of the neighborhood’s immigrant cultural traditions.

Location: Yesler Neighborhood Park, 835 Yesler Seattle. The towers are installed in and around a spray park in main plaza adjacent to Yesler Way.  Conversation Clusters (four sets of seating) are located around the park.