Artwork copyright David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Flight of the Spectrum, 2019

David Franklin
(American, born 1972)

Location: Seattle World School, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Northwest artist David Franklin's Flight of the Spectrum is a colorful installation of acrylic birds at Seattle World School. The artwork is inspired by the school's unique mission, which Franklin describes as "In this school we learn to fly together, no matter who you are, or where you come from."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

David Franklin creates public art in a variety of styles and materials, including metal, glass, and wood. He seeks to create an instant connection between the viewer and his art. Franklin is a non-Native artist, and some of his artworks are influenced by Native American Northwest Coast styles.

Franklin grew up in Denver, Colorado, and started his art career with graffiti. In the early 1990s, he moved to the Pacific Northwest. He began a ten-year apprenticeship with non-Native artist and carver Duane Pasco, who has made the study of Indigenous artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast his life’s work. Franklin learned graphic and sculptural skills, and he gained experience with large-scale art fabrication and installation. He lives and works in Indianola, on the Kitsap Peninsula, southern Puget Sound, Western Washington.