Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2024.
The River, 2023
Steve Gardner
(American, born 1968)
Location: Grandview High School, Grandview
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
The River by Steven Gardner is a mosaic mural that represents a river of memories and life experiences, flowing from the past and carrying them on into the future. On the riverbank, a lone figure looks upwards at the stars and sees a bird constellation. Real or imagined, it might symbolize her own future of freedom and self-determination. Patterns within the river include imagery related to the Grandview area in Central Washington, education, and learning. Gardner wants you, the viewer, to interpret the artwork's story based on your own memories and life experiences.
Gardner explains how the artwork was made: "The laser cutting technology makes quick work of the metal, but making the glass is a slow and laborious process. Each individual glass element is cut by hand and then coated with colored glass frits, which are in powdered or granular form. These are sifted and sprinkled onto the surfaces in layers to create the proper gradations and density of color. They are then loaded into the kiln and slowly fired to 1200°F at which point the the molten glass fuses with the colored frits. Some of the glass sections have iridized or dichroic surfaces which causes their color to shift depending on the angle of the viewer and the reflection of the light."
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Grandview School District.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Seattle-based artist Steve Gardner creates relief and free-standing sculptures out of architectural terra cotta clay and other materials. His artworks often focus on the human figure, surface pattern, and a sense of story.
Gardner received his Bachelor of Arts degree in art and biology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and his Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
ARTWORK DETAILS
| Medium | Kiln cast glass and laser cut aluminum |
| Dimensions | 19 ft x 6 ft X 5 ft |
| ID Number | WSAC2020.017.000 |
| Acquisition Method | Site responsive commission |
| Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
| Agency | Grandview School District |
| Artwork Location | Grandview High School Commons, Wall at base of stairwell in NW corner |
| WA County | Yakima |
| Placement | Interior |
| Site Type | Public School |
| Address | 1601 WEST 5TH ST Grandview, WA 98930 |
| Geo. Coordinates | 46.253087, -119.923933 |
| Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
| Map |
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