Artwork copyright Carl Chew. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Desk Tornado, 1987

Carl Chew
(American, born 1948)

Location: Ridgetop Middle School, Silverdale

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Seattle based artist Carl Chew pushes boundaries of high and low art with a vivacious flourish in an array of media. Embroidered in bold colors, Desk Tornado combines layered images of desk supplies and abstract forms, evoking the playful chaos of creativity.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Carl Chew creates artworks that tell stories in a variety of materials, including art "postage" stamps, wool rugs, prints, and more. His artworks are characterized by their pop style, humor, and bold colors. In his own words, "I like to come right up to that edge where you’re not sure if you’re seeing fiction or not-fiction." He calls himself "The World’s Most Famous Unknown Artist."

Chew earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology (1969) and a Master of Fine Arts degree (1975) in printmaking and video from the University of Washington in Seattle. From 1985-2000, he ran The Contemporary Carpet Center, a rug factory in Nepal that made rugs for himself and other artists. From 2001-2017, he taught middle school science for Seattle Public Schools. He is based in Seattle.