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.

Young Hemlock, 2006

Vaughn Bell
(American, born 1978)

Location: Elk Ridge Elementary, Buckley

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Young Hemlock by Vaughn Bell is part of a series of drawings that are portraits of trees. She notes "This is a young hemlock tree that I got to know quite well for a time. I have depicted it alone, outside of the forest, similar to how a human portrait might be painted. While in this drawing it is shown as a small tree, just like in our family photos we can think about how it has changed over the years and is now much taller."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

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.