Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Trailblazing, 2008

Brad Rude
(American, born 1964)

Location: Tacoma Community College, Tacoma

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Trailblazing by Brad Rude is a metaphor for the journey of life and education. The two-part bronze sculpture is grouped on either side of a walking path through campus. It shows bronze animals laboring up, lording over, and coasting down carved granite boulders. Along the way, the animals also travel over planks and other obstacles. As students make their way through the Tacoma Community College campus, they might see themselves equally involved with their daily tasks and journeys.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Community College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Eastern Washington artist Brad Rude creates narrative sculptures that feature various animals in playful, symbolically rich compositions. He notes, "I portray animals in situations that mimic our own lives. The animals are a stand in for us."

Rude studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He lives and works in Walla Walla, Southeastern Washington.