Artwork copyright Matt Babcock. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Matt Babcock. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Matt Babcock. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Matt Babcock. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Matt Babcock. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Otters, 2018

Matt Babcock
(American, born 1967)

Location: North Mason High School, Belfair

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Otters is an aluminum and granite sculpture created by artist Matt Babcock. It serves as seating at the entrance of North Mason High School's main plaza. River otters inspired this piece as they live in the nearby saltwater marshes surrounding Belfair, in Western Washington on Puget Sound. The artist designed the gestural forms to capture the lively movement of otters playing together. He notes, "The work suggests themes such as play, curiosity, active outdoor pursuits, and family, which reflect many of the ways the campus is used by the community."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist and architect Matt Babcock creates sculptural installations for public spaces. He states, "I make public art because public spaces reflect the ways communities and individuals think of themselves in relation to others and to the larger world."

Babcock received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He received a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Colorado, Denver in 1994.