Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1995 prototype.

Artwork copyright Brian Swanson. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1995 prototype.

Pyramid of Knowledge, 1996

Brian Swanson
(American, born 1947)

Location: Bay View Elementary School, Burlington

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Pyramid of Knowledge is a large-scale, steel sculpture created by artist Brian Swanson as a gathering place for students. Shaped like a stack of books, the sculpture features etched quotes about various subjects. The artist hopes that student and teachers bring the quotes back into the classroom for discussion. He notes, "All were chosen to provoke thought. Some are witty, others serious or instructive, and many speak of virtues that philosophers hold dear. It is intended that all give rise to dialogue and positive action."

This artwork is part of the Limited Edition Artist's Designs Project (LEAD), commissioned between 1997 and 1999 by the Washington State Arts Commission in partnership with the Department of Corrections. For this project, six Washington artists designed artworks to be produced in multiples specifically for K-12 public schools. The artworks were fabricated at Department of Corrections' facilities by inmates and staff.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Burlington-Edison School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Brian Swanson creates sculptures and installations for public spaces, often using tools, machinery, and found objects. He is interested in the "machine age" and in found objects that have a history.

Swanson earned an Associate's degree from Rock Valley College in Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (1974) with a teaching certificate at Western Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree (1980) in sculpture from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. Swanson lived in the Seattle area during the 1980s and 90s. He currently lives in southern Utah.