Artwork copyright Richard Corrin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Artwork copyright Richard Corrin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Artwork copyright Richard Corrin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Artwork copyright Richard Corrin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Artwork copyright Richard Corrin. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Breakthrough, 1988

Richard Corrin
(American, born 1945)

Location: Point Defiance Elementary, Tacoma

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Breakthrough is a two-part brick sculpture created by artist Richard Corrin for the courtyard at Point Defiance Elementary. This fanciful installation sparks the imagination and encourages play. For the large curved wall, Corrin encouraged students to bring in small found objects. The students helped him place these objects, including shells, stones, and small toys, into the bricks as he constructed the wall. The wall also features carved figures and a tree form. Peering through a hole in the wall, you can see a carved brick beluga whale appear to breach the surface of the concrete patio. The artist notes, "All children have the ability to visualize, or make their dreams come true, to create the future that they want for themselves. The educated person has a better chance at breaking through barriers or problems that we all face at times." He continues, "The future holds many secrets from the Earth's creatures, and it is the duty of our children to be educated and aware of the face that Planet Earth is our fragile home and we must preserve it for the generations to come."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist and musician Richard Corrin creates brick sculptures and landscape designs.
Born in Oakland, California, Corrin attended high school in Spokane while peforming as a professional jazz musician. He attended Olympic Junior College in Bremerton, and Eastern Washington State College. In the early 1970s he was a licensed street artist in San Francisco, California, creating sculptures from found musical instruments.