Artwork copyright Jack Archibald. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Jack Archibald. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Jack Archibald. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Jack Archibald. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Jack Archibald. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Jack Archibald. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Quixote's Comet, 1995

Jack Archibald
(American, born 1950)

Location: Washington State Patrol - District I Headquarters, Tacoma, Tacoma

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Quixote's Comet is a site-specific, stained-glass installation by artist Jack Archibald. The glass mural is comprised of fourteen windows that together form a monumental abstract composition. The quietly beautiful design emphasizes line, texture, and movement, and has a flow like calligraphy.

Archibald wanted the glass installation to complement the architect's vision rather than compete with it. He also wanted it to be visible from the furthest points of the parking areas. He describes it as “a dynamic accent to an already dramatic entryway, and an artwork that is effective even when viewed in sections.” The installation also highlights the variability of light experienced when viewers pass through the space.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State Patrol.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Glass artist Jack Archibald uses light to animate the colors and abstract shapes in his stained glass artworks. In his own words, "As a stained glass artist, I work with light. Glass is uniquely interactive with light, its transitions, its intensities, its colors. Throughout the day, a window constantly undergoes transformation. The changing light animates the glass."

Archibald earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (1972) from the University of Wisconsin. In 1981, he established the private studio called "Revisionary Glassworks" on Camano Island, on North Puget Sound, Western Washington.