Artwork copyright Buster Simpson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Buster Simpson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Buster Simpson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Buster Simpson. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2008.

Artwork copyright Buster Simpson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Buster Simpson. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2008.

Artwork copyright Buster Simpson. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2008.

Walla Walla Bound - Poetic License, 2008

Buster Simpson
American (born 1942)

Location: Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla

About the Artwork

Buster Simpson's Walla Walla Bound - Poetic License presents different ideas and words about the nearby Mill Creek watershed. It also draws attention to the creative and prison sectors that are key to Walla Walla's community and economy. The side facing the multi-use trail features poetic phrases inspired by Mill Creek, by local Walla Walla poets Jennifer Boyden, Janice King, Dan Lamberton, and Katrina Roberts. Their words have been stamped onto 144 aluminum license plates created at the nearby State Penitentiary. The license plate colors distinguish one poem from the next. The other side of the artwork features selected text from a scientific habitat assessment for Mill Creek on another 144 license plates.

You can also see and read more about the creation of this artwork in a booklet created by artist Buster Simpson. It is linked as a PDF under "Lesson Plans and Documents".

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

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Buster Simpson creates conceptual sculptures and public art installations with an emphasis on our relationship to urban growth, the structure of our communities, and our interaction with the environment.