Artwork copyright Ries Niemi. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Kids Rocking Chair, 1994

Ries Niemi
(American, born 1955)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Kids Rocking Chair is part of artist Ries Niemi's body of sculptural artworks that also serve as functional objects. This child-sized chair features hand-bent steel faces. He cut the alphabet lettering from sheet metal, which he stretched over the frame of the chair as a seat. He notes, "I am attracted to the traditional role of a craftsman in society, to make sturdy attractive pieces that will last. Of course, I also try to give them a personality, to make them unique and different. I like my work to be a little humorous, so that it can be approached and enjoyed by people from any background. I love it when people actually use my work."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bellingham School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist and craftsman Ries Niemi creates sculptures and public installations using industrial fabrication techniques and industrial materials such as metal, wood, and plastics. He lives and works in the small town of Bow, Northwestern Washington.