Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. The artist Brian Goldbloom with his artwork. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2010.

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2010 (detail).

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2010 (detail).

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2010 (detail).

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2010 (detail).

Artwork copyright Brian Goldbloom. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2010 (detail).

Water Skipper with Flotsam, 2010

Brian Goldbloom
American (born 1950)

Location: Cascade Middle School, Vancouver

About the Artwork

Water Skipper with Flotsam is a carved stone gathering place and informal seating area created by artist Brian Goldbloom. The overall form is like a low-slung animal, such as a spider or crab – or water skipper insect – with a crouching tension above the ground. But the artwork's shape also offers an invitation to the plaza, with its extended arms. Goldbloom notes, "As you approach, carved details become visible. These details are recognizable objects, as if left behind, or stepped away from, by users of the space – except that they are carved from granite of course – suggesting evidence of activity in the space and indicating the passage of time." Some of the carved details are books, food snacks, and sunglasses.

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

About the Artist

Brian Goldbloom creates site-specific sculptural installations in public spaces using mainly natural stone materials. His artworks interact with their surrounding environment and architecture and invite viewers to become active participants in the spaces they use.
He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Oregon in 1974 and pursued graduate studies at the University of Oregon in 1974-75. He has over thirty years of experience working with stone.