Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Carbon Atom Whirligig, 2019

Christine Bourdette
(American, born 1952)

Location: Hazel Wolf K-8 School, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Christine Bourdette's Carbon Atom Whirligig is one of two wind-driven kinetic sculptures at Hazel Wolf K-8 School in Seattle. Both whirligig sculptures are inspired by the school's focus on environmental sciences. Carbon Atom Whirligig represents the atomic structure of carbon atoms. Carbon is one of the six most common elements in the known universe and is the element on which all life is based.

Bourdette explains that "My inspiration for theses whirligig sculptures came from plant forms, growth processes, and from some of the most basic chemical elements found on Earth. This in turn led to thinking about the building blocks of life, the periodic table, and to molecular structures. These basic elements of life and growth evolved into designs for two sculptures with wind-driven elements: one base on the carbon atom; the other based on the process of photosynthesis."

The two sculptures, Carbon Atom Whirligig and Photosynthesis Whirligig can be found at opposite ends of the school's courtyard.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Portland, Oregon-based artist Christine Bourdette balances studio and public art practices. Her drawings and sculptures explore materials and forms. Her installations for public spaces take inspiration from and interact with their environment. Bourdette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.