Artwork copyright Bruce West. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Three Leaf Get Together, 1999
Bruce West
American (born 1939, died 2021)
Location: Truman Middle School, Tacoma
About the Artwork
Sculptor Bruce West created Three Leaf Get Together using a self-invented machine that allows him to bend, shape and form sheets of stainless steel. He then heats the sculpture to a very high temperature to create different colors. Forms found in the natural world and the artist’s garden inspired the curves and valleys of the composition. He notes that this piece is particularly inspired by his time teaching stone carving at a small art school in the French countryside. He states, “In this part of France there was a market every Sunday which would feature the goods and produce of the surrounding farmers. There were baskets and baskets of nut and olives of all sorts and descriptions. There was lots of activity and color at these markets and it was fun just to wander around and see what was available. After returning home from the seven weeks, the time spent there gave me many images to use for my sculpture.”
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools.
About the Artist
Portland, Oregon-based artist Bruce West (1939-2021) created steel sculptures that explore abstract, geometric, and natural forms. West was also an avid kayaker and climber. His art reflects the shapes and surfaces of the land, rocks, and water.West was born in China to missionary parents. He grew up in China, the Philippines, and Medford in Southern Oregon. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Oregon. He taught art at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon for thirty-four years. West is a nationally-recognized sculptor and his work can be seen throughout the Northwest.
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