Artwork copyright Charles Bigger. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2007.

Artwork copyright Charles Bigger. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2007 (detail).

Artwork copyright Charles Bigger. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2007 (detail).

Artwork copyright Charles Bigger. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2007 (detail).

Artwork copyright Charles Bigger. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2007 (detail).

Olduwan, 2007

Charles Bigger
(American, born 1943)

Location: South Seattle College - Georgetown Campus, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Charles Bigger's Olduwan artwork uses the symbols and ideas of tools to represent the students studying trades at South Seattle College's Georgetown Campus. The sculpture was inspired by an archeological dig in Tanzania, East Africa. Bigger took part in the unearthing of tools and artifacts from the Pre-historic Period — a time before records documented human activity, roughly 2.5 million years ago to 1200 B.C. This connects pre-history with our contemporary culture and honors that archeological site. Bigger notes: "From this earliest time in pre-history we can follow the growth of mankind thru the use of his tools. Our understanding of who we are is found in those tools, objects, and art; made by the hand of man. Every craftsman, and every tool leaves a mark for history."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with South Seattle Community College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Charlie Bigger creates small sculptures and installations for public spaces. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California College of the Arts in the Bay Area.