Tracing Alki
Artist
Sarah Thompson Moore
MediumGlass, porcelain, stone, concrete, & stainless steel
Dimensions4 7/16 x 38 9/16 x 27 3/4 ft. (135.2 x 1,175.3 x 845.8 cm)
ClassificationsIntegrated Art
Credit LineSeattle Public Utilities 1% for Art Funds
Inspired by a topographical map of Seattle printed in 1894, Tracing Alki shares the natural history of the area before European settlement, bringing to light the changes that have occurred since then. Consisting of concrete embedded mosaics, sandblasted patterns, and an etched stainless steel mesh guard rail, the designs found within Tracing Alki call to mind patterns in nature such as: the rippling of water, growth rings of the Western Red Cedar tree, shellfish, and even fingerprints. Cultural markers throughout as well as patterns representing the weaving techniques of coiled cedar root and clam gathering baskets, speak to the cultural importance that this land and water holds for the First Nations of the region. Through the use of iridescent and light refractive materials and a variety of textures, the artwork was created to interact with the natural environment, offering a unique experience with each visit.
Designed to integrate into the construction renovation of SPU’s Pump Station 38, this ground plane artwork protects view corridors along the Alki Beach Trail. Involving the interests of multiple stakeholders, the development of Tracing Alki also included community outreach and engagement as well as consultation with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. A Utility cabinet wrap acts as the interpretive key to Tracing Alki. In addition to the original topographical map from 1894, it shares the Lushootseed names and locations of significant places and natural resources that once existed in abundance in West Seattle. Recognizing that these locations are also marked within the mosaic, this key allows visitors to situate themselves within the artwork and to further connect the dots to the various layers of the story of Alki.
2005
