Artwork copyright Chris Gryder. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Chris Gryder. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Artwork copyright Chris Gryder. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2023.

Anther, 2021

Chris Gryder
(American, born 1965)

Location: Washington State School for the Blind, Vancouver

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Gregg Schlanger in October 2023 for the Washington State School for the Blind in Vancouver. The local Art Selection Committee wanted artworks that anyone can approach and fully experience and understand via more than just sight. Gregg Schlanger selected artworks that are comfortable in the hand and have a tactile experience. This artwork is meant to be touched.

Artworks are installed by the doors to the eight residence rooms and the residence assistance room at the Life Skills for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) Residence. They are wayfinders. Before street numbers, buildings were identified with low relief tiles. Schlanger hopes that the residence rooms will become known by the artworks, such as the Log Room. The LIFTT Residence houses students working on a vocational goal and adult independence. Residents have varied experiences of sight loss and levels of comfort. The LIFTT program is a hugely empowering step for young adults with blindness.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State School for the Blind.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Chris Gryder is a ceramic artist. His work re-interprets natural objects and processes. His carved ceramic relief tiles can be traced back to architectural tradition of buildings covered with terra cotta tiles inspired by the natural world.

Gryder earned a Bachelor of Architecture (1988) degree at the Tulane School of Architecture, New Orleans, Louisiana, and a Master of Fine Arts (1998) degree in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).