Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Gallery of Tried Technology, 2009

Brian Swanson
(American, born 1947)

Location: Wahluke High School, Mattawa

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Brian Swanson's ‘Gallery of Tried Technology’ uses vintage farm equipment to create benches and shaded areas for Wahluke High School in Mattawa, a Central Washington farming community. The artwork title’s “tried technology” refers to the vintage farm equipment, donated locally by Eckenberg Farms.

The installation is in an outdoor courtyard, outside of the school’s cafeteria. Swanson built benches with parts of salvaged wood and old machine parts including: wagon wheels, sledge hammers, a crankshaft, brackets, grain grinders, plough teeth, and more. He built the surrounding trellis structures with recycled field sprinkler wheels. Plantings around each trellis are also part of the artwork. Swanson planted climbing wisteria and vines to provide shade from the strong Central Washington sun.

The local art selection committee wanted an artwork to represent and promote unity between groups. Swanson spent time in Mattawa in order to understand the community and create a piece of art that would speak to them.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Wahluke School Distict and Department of Corrections.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Brian Swanson creates sculptures and installations for public spaces, often using tools, machinery, and found objects. He is interested in the "machine age" and in found objects that have a history.

Swanson earned an Associate's degree from Rock Valley College in Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (1974) with a teaching certificate at Western Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree (1980) in sculpture from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. Swanson lived in the Seattle area during the 1980s and 90s. He currently lives in southern Utah.