Tracing Alki
glass, stone, concrete, stainless steel, 4.5 x 38.5 x 28 feet
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Alki Beach Trail, West Seattle, WA
2023 |
*Slideshow photographs by Zorn B. Taylor
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Commissioned by Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and Seattle Public Utilities, this ground plane integrated artwork respects view corridors and resides atop a newly renovated pump station. Inspired by a topographical map of Seattle printed in 1894, it incorporates the natural history of the area before European settlement, bringing to light the changes that have occurred since then.
Consisting of concrete embedded LithoMosaic, 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, ceder tree growth rings and branches, shellfish, and 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.
This project involved the interests of multiple stakeholders, community outreach and engagement, and 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. 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.
Consisting of concrete embedded LithoMosaic, 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, ceder tree growth rings and branches, shellfish, and 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.
This project involved the interests of multiple stakeholders, community outreach and engagement, and 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. 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.