Artwork copyright Steve Jensen. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Pacific Winds, 1988

Steve Jensen
(American, born 1955)

Location: Yakima Valley College, Yakima

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Steve Jensen's sculpture Pacific Winds is inspired by the flow and movement of water. Rising up above the viewer's head on a concrete column, this piece also suggests the quality of sea air in the Pacific Northwest. He notes, "The sea is ingrained in my heritage. My Norwegian father, and his father before him, were fishermen. I grew up on and around the water. The sea is likewise a part of our collective heritage. It is the life force in our world."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima Valley Community College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Steve Jensen creates carved wooden and metal sculptures. Growing up on his father's fishing boat, his artworks are influenced by Norwegian carving, boat-building, and fishing traditions. He notes, "I come from a long tradition of Norwegian fishermen and boat builders. The chisels I use have been passed from my grandfather to my father to me. The craftsmanship of my work speaks to the universality and the timelessness of carving."