River Rock Storm Tower, 1980

John Harter
(American, born 1940, died 2008)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

River Rock Storm Tower is an imaginative and surrealistic painting by late artist John Harter. Fingers poke out of the sides of the rock tower, while loose teeth and piles of knotted rope dot the stylized landscape. Two parallel roads lead off to the horizon on either side of the tower. Where do they lead? The artist encouraged individual viewers to create their own interpretations of this piece.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist John Harter (1940-2008) created figurative and surrealistic paintings.
Born in Seattle, Harter served in the U.S. Navy in the late 1950s and travelled to Eastern Asia with the Navy. He studied at Seattle Central Community College and Cornish School in Seattle. He left Seattle briefly while studying at the San Francisco Art Institute in 1968, but later returned and continued his studies at the University of Washington in Seattle in 1975.

ARTWORK DETAILS
MediumAcrylic paint on Masonite board
Dimensions31 in x 21 in
ID NumberWSAC1986.050.000
Acquisition MethodDirect purchase
Artist LocationWashington, United States
Location Information
AgencyWashington State Arts Commission
Artwork LocationWashington State Arts Commission
Not on display. At ArtsWA pending conservation, framing, re-siting, or return to site.
WA CountyThurston
PlacementInterior
Site TypeState Agency
Address711 Capitol Way S., Suite 600
Olympia, WA 98504
Geo. Coordinates47.041975, -122.901474
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