Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2011.

Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Steve Gardner. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

The Four Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, and Air), 2003

Steve Gardner
American (born 1968)

Location: University of Washington - Tacoma, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Each square panel of this piece personifies one of the four Western elements – Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. The imagery and patterns represent cultural traditions from around the world, "a reference to the universality of scientific thought and discovery."

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

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Steve Gardner creates relief and free-standing sculptures out of architectural terra cotta clay and other materials. His artworks often focus on the human figure, surface pattern, and a sense of story.
Gardner received his Bachelor of Arts degree in art and biology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and his Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.