Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019 (detail).

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019 (detail).

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019.

Artwork copyright Christine Bourdette. Video courtesy of the artist, 2020.

Photosynthesis Whirligig, 2019

Christine Bourdette
American (born 1952)

Location: Hazel Wolf K-8 School, Seattle

About the Artwork

Artist Christine Bourdette's Photosynthesis Whirligig is one of two wind-driven kinetic sculptures at Hazel Wolf K-8 School in Seattle. Both whirligig sculptures are inspired by the school's focus on environmental sciences. Photosynthesis Whirligig represents the essential process of photosynthesis. As plants absorb sunlight, oxygen, and water while trapping carbon dioxide, they are the key to life for a habitable planet. Some of these design elements wiggle, spin, and function as a weather vane showing the wind direction.

Bourdette explains that "My inspiration for theses whirligig sculptures came from plant forms, growth processes, and from some of the most basic chemical elements found on Earth. This in turn led to thinking about the building blocks of life, the periodic table, and to molecular structures. These basic elements of life and growth evolved into designs for two sculptures with wind-driven elements: one based on the carbon atom; the other based on the process of photosynthesis."

The two sculptures, Carbon Atom Whirligig and Photosynthesis Whirligig can be found at opposite ends of the school's courtyard.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle Public Schools.

About the Artist

Portland, Oregon-based artist Christine Bourdette balances studio and public art practices. Her drawings and sculptures explore materials and forms. Her installations for public spaces take inspiration from and interact with their environment. Bourdette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.