Artwork copyright Ruth Brockmann. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ruth Brockmann. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Coming To Our Senses, 2013

Ruth Brockmann
(American, born 1955, died 2013)

Location: Sun Valley Elementary School, Sunnyside

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Coming To Our Senses is a colorful fused glass and carved wood sculpture created by artist Ruth Brockmann. The artwork presents a "Tree of Life" and includes animals representing each letter of the alphabet from A to Z. The Tree of Life connects all forms of creation, and it is a story found in many cultures all around the world. Brockman was a lover of nature and the outdoors, and the title Coming To Our Senses is inspired by the large numbers of plant and animal species that are being wiped out. She aimed to appeal to children as well as adults.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Ruth Brockmann (1955-2013) was a leader in the Northwest kiln-formed glass movement. She created fused-glass sculptures that celebrated and explored our spiritual connection to the natural world.

Ruth Brockman was one of the initial artists in the 1980s to work and experiment with Bullseye Glass Company's colored glass for fusing. She has taught glass fusing at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington, as well as around the United States and Canada. Her experimental, do-it-yourself art practice is heavily influenced by her experiences farming in Alaska and Washington, working on commercial fishing boats, traveling in Mexico, and Mother Nature.