Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Valerie Otani. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Sequestered, 2011

Valerie Otani
American (born 1947, died 2020)

Location: Cascadia College, Bothell

About the Artwork

Artist Valerie Otani's Sequestered artwork was inspired by Cascadia College's attention to the environment in its campus architecture and landscape. The campus is bordered by towering evergreen trees and includes extensive restored wetlands. Its buildings are constructed with the highest standards of sustainability. To honor this commitment to the environment, Otani's artwork refers to the important role that trees play in storing carbon. It also encourages reflection on how we interact with the world around us. The cast glass is illuminated by LED lighting which draws a very small amount of power. The artwork's other materials are both archival and recyclable.

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

About the Artist

Japanese-American artist Valerie Otani (1947-2020) created public installations and sculptures that engage our shared history and imagination.
Otani received her Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Antioch College in Ohio, and her Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from San Francisco State University in California. She lived and worked in Portland, Oregon.