Artwork copyright Vaughn Bell. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2023.

Artwork copyright Vaughn Bell. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Everything Time Studio, 2023.

Artwork copyright Vaughn Bell. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Everything Time Studio, 2023.

Magnifying Landscape, 2013

Vaughn Bell
(American, born 1978)

Location: Elk Ridge Elementary, Buckley

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Vaughn Bell created Magnifying Landscape while she was studying moss for a public art project. She uses the image of the magnifying glass to prompt us to pay closer attention to her painting and our surroundings in general. It also suggests curiosity and exploration. Bell is interested in how human perspective changes when we look at nature up-close.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Vaughn Bell’s work focuses on human interactions with places, natural forces, and other species. She examines the complexities and paradoxes in these interactions. Her artworks include ecological artworks, public art, performance-based and participatory artworks, sculpture, drawings, videos, and installations. Her art practice also includes public art planning and writing, and teaching.

Vaughn Bell teaches at the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma campus. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Massachusetts, and an undergraduate degree from Brown University, Rhode Island. She lives in Seattle, Washington.