Artwork copyright Robert Yoder. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Downs Chapel, 1997

Robert Yoder
American (born 1962)

Location: Pierce College - Fort Steilacoom, Lakewood

About the Artwork

Artist Robert Yoder created the sculpture Downs Chapel by reassembling found pieces of road signs. He purposefully collaged them into an unreadable pattern. He notes, "Downs Chapel is about the American landscape, most notably, the roadside signs which dot the streets and are meant to be seen at a certain rate of speed. Now that we have slowed down, the no longer make sense; their ability to communicate was dependent upon our quick glance."

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

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Robert Yoder creates mixed media sculptures and fiber artworks.
Born in Virginia, Yoder received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in metalwork and jewelry from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Fiber Arts from the University of Washington, Seattle in 1987. He has been honored with many awards, including Artist Trust Fellowship Awards in 2000 and 2008. He has served as director of Seattle's SEASON gallery since 2010.