Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2010.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Paul Sorey. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Fractal Tree Archway, 2010

Paul Sorey
American (born 1956)

Location: Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon

About the Artwork

Artist Paul Sorey created Fractal Tree Archway for the entrance to the Science Building at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Northwestern Washington. He used fractal branching patterns to form the trees. Fractals are a mathematical concept that explains many natural forms. In this branching structure, each part of the tree is identical in form to the other parts. The parts get smaller in scale and rotate in space as the branches extend. Sorey used a 3-D computer model to experiment with the length, angle, and scale of the branches. He notes, "I am fascinated by the branching structure of trees found throughout nature, by the many roles of trees in ecosystems, and by their symbolic, psychological and space-creating significance to humans."

Check out the grades 9-12 lesson plan for this artwork, linked as a PDF under "Lesson Plans and Documents".

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Skagit Valley College.

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Paul Sorey creates sculptural installations for public spaces. His artworks are inspired by natural forms and geometry. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in sculpture from Bethany College in Kansas, he studied Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, receiving a second Bachelor of Arts degree from Utah State University. He received a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1993.