Wings of Transition - Norie Sato

Where is it?

Concourse B

Satoʼs Wings of Transition is located at the end of Concourse B.

About the Art

Nine aluminum “ladders” with wings of etched glass form this piece at the end of the concourse. Varying in height from about six feet to fourteen feet long, four ladders gather around the base of an escalator/stair opening, and the rest seem to flee to the two skylight areas above.

"The wings are a means to move further upward, to be freed from the ground-based realities. The winged ladders symbolize our travels, our journey, and our movement by air which the airport facilitates for us." – Norie Sato

The Details

Artist

Norie Sato

Date

1992

Medium

Sculpture (hand-etched glass, aluminum)

Dimensions

Ladders range in height from around 6' to 14', nine ladders total

Did you know?

Norie Sato was first attracted to the glass medium because, as she states, “A lot of my work has had to do with layering and putting something down, covering it up, making it barely perceptible, making it visible sometimes,” and glass lent itself perfectly to her intentions.

About the Artist

The completed appearance of Seattle-based artist Norie Sato’s public commissions depends on the site and context of the artwork. By encouraging interactions between the public and the built environment, Sato strives to consider all aspects, “edges, transitions, and connections,” in equal relation to the center to create balanced and charming pieces.

Short Bio

Since the 1970s, Norie Sato’s involvement in Seattle's public art programs has ranged from teaching and advocating to planning and consulting. Her projects can be found at the San Diego International Airport, the San Francisco International Airport, the Arabian Library and the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center (both in Scottsdale, Arizona), Seattle’s Central Link light rail line, and many other cities throughout the country.

Similar Artwork

Work by Norie Sato

In addition to the Seattle Justice Center, Sato was commissioned to design 'Round and 'Round to highlight the intersection between the interior and exterior of the Operations Building at the Atlantic/Central Bus Base. To learn more about Sato's work in this region, please visit Connected Stories below.

At the Airport

Visit Norie Sato's The Gateway that serves as an entrance lobby to the Port of Seattle Police Department.

Wings of Transition - Norie Sato

This artwork consists of ladders with wings that symbolize a way of moving from the ground into the air.