Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Side by Side, 2019

Brad Rude
(American, born 1964)

Location: Olympic Hills Elementary School, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Brad Rude’s Side by Side sculpture explores sameness and differences. He notes, “We all have similarities that make us strong together, and we all have unique qualities that make us shine as individuals.” The cast bronze sculpture features three very different animals: a jackrabbit, a coyote, and an otter. They stand on different foundations of balanced rocks and large sticks. This symbolizes the different foundations that each of us has in our lives and how that can shape who we become. The animals are different from each other but they are also communicating and engaging with each other.

The animals’ surfaces are also patterned with images of the things that influence our lives, such as nature, science, history, and more. Can you find a mythical bird on one of the animals? Brad Rude included it to remind us that we always have to be open to seeing things that aren't obvious at first glance.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Eastern Washington artist Brad Rude creates narrative sculptures that feature various animals in playful, symbolically rich compositions. He notes, "I portray animals in situations that mimic our own lives. The animals are a stand in for us."

Rude studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He lives and works in Walla Walla, Southeastern Washington.