Clearing - Erin Shie Palmer

Where is it?

Baggage Claim

Palmer’s piece can be found near Carousels 1, 2, and 3.

About the Art

As passengers move toward the light-filled atrium, filtered views emerge through the openings in the warm browns, blues, and greens of the enveloping copper panels. Gradually becoming sparse as travelers enter the Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, the copper trees stem from a stone base and green aggregate in the terrazzo. These separate elements contribute to the perception of walking along a pathway through a damp and dense Northwest forest.

"Hiking in mountains or walking through Seattle, the world is offered in the spaces between buildings, between trees […] and at the end of the journey, an opening, an expansiveness, and clarity of view." – Erin Shie Palmer

The Details

Artist

Erin Shie Palmer

Date

2004

Medium

Sculpture (copper, steel, stone)

Dimensions

Varies from 6' 3" to 13' high x 180' long

Did you know?

The color on the copper is not paint but a chemical patina.

About the Artist

Erin Shie Palmer is a visual artist and an architect who has worked in a variety of site-specific venues, including gallery installations, public art, theater design, and architecture. She creates physical and psychological topographies by examining how interactions affect one another and seeks to map and preserve relationships.

Short Bio

Highly regarded for her contemplative public installations, Erin Shie Palmer has collaborated with several local artists including Ruth Marie Tomlinson, Anne Storrs, and sound artist Susan Kozawa. Her work has been on view at the Seafirst Gallery, the Center on Contemporary Art, the Bellevue Art Museum, SOIL Gallery, and the Wing Luke Museum.

Similar Artwork

Work by Erin Shie Palmer

- Temple of Music: sandblasted tiles with an abstract musical score are lined with bronze handrails featuring etched Braille text and voiceprints at the University Street Station in Seattle.

- Letter Cloud: a permanent installation at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, in collaboration with Susie Kozawa.

- An installation at the Puyallup Library that mimics the look and appeal of a wall full of books and library ladders.

At the Airport

Erin Shie Palmer used unexpected materials, copper and steel, to represent a densely wooded Northwest forest. See how Nancy Blum used cast resin and aluminum to articulate a series of delicate flowers. Click on the STQRY link below to see Flower Wall.

Clearing - Erin Shie Palmer

Visitors pass along a 180-foot gently arcing wall, reminiscent of a walk through dense Pacific Northwest forests.