Artwork copyright Carl Chew. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Carl Chew. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Artwork copyright Carl Chew. Featuring curator Renee Adams. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

4 Corners, 1994

Carl Chew
(American, born 1948)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Seattle based artist Carl Chew creates fantastical, pop imagery with a vivacious flourish in an array of media. Known for his colorful and imaginative wool rugs, 4 Corners plays with perspective. It shows a spiral of clouds bordered by scenes of towns and mountains.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Renee Adams for the Maple Park Capitol Campus Child Care Center in Olympia. The art selection committee wanted the art to be mainly for the children. They wanted to focus on Northwest artists from diverse backgrounds and geographies, and artworks with color and nature-inspired imagery. The Child Care Center has six classrooms, as well as outdoor classrooms and play spaces, for eighty-four children.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Carl Chew creates narrative-based artworks in a variety of materials, including art "postage" stamps, wool rugs, prints, and more. His works are characterized by their pop style, humor, and bold colors.
Chew has worked for Seattle Public Schools as a K-12 teacher in science, art, and math. He received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle.