Artwork copyright Robert Purser. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Purser. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Robert Purser. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

What A Break, 1996

Robert Purser
American (born 1940, died 2009)

Location: Toppenish School District, Toppenish

About the Artwork

What A Break is a whimsical sculpture by artist Robert Purser. It is comprised of dozens of colorful wooden shapes that appear to spill out of two large broken pieces. Seeking to explore color relationships and humor, Purser noted that "those who live with my works tell me that they continue to see new things each time they look at them. I hope this piece will bring continuing delight to the viewers."

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

About the Artist

Artist Robert Purser (1940-2009) explored many different materials and processes over his career as an artist and educator. He was known for his work in textiles and for architecturally driven, quilt-like sculptures made of found objects and sewn paper. Bellevue College (in Bellevue, Western Washington) hired him as their first art instructor, and he taught there for forty-four years.
Purser received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he served in the Peace Corps doing craft development work in Peru, South America. He then received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1966. He received a PhD in architectural education from the University of Oregon in 1978.