Roscoe - Brad Story
Where is it?
Baggage Claim
At the south end, Roscoe floats over Carousel 6.
About the Art
For the artist, this piece represents the thrill of early aviation and the almost sensuous beauty of the lines formed by the wings, the wheel pants, and the propeller. Story generously granted Roscoe exuberant racing stripes. The use of wood and fiberglass reflects Story's interest in the construction methods of both airplanes and boats.
"The importance of birds to human cultures all over the world is well-known and can be seen in artwork from many cultures including the incredible wood carvings of the people native to the Northwest." – Brad Story
The Details
Artist
Brad Story
Date
2005
Medium
Sculpture (wood, fiberglass, gesso, acrylic paint)
Dimensions
16' wide x 9' in length
Did you know?
Roscoe is named for Roscoe Turner, one of the artist's heroes. Turner was a famous air-racer and showman of the 1930s. He won the last three Thompson Trophy races and carried "Gilmore the Lion" – a real lion – around with him to promote the Gilmore Oil Company.
About the Artist
Hailing from Essex, Massachusetts, Brad Story incorporates his training as a seventh-generation boatbuilder into his artwork. Story “has always been fascinated with flight and winged things and has been modeling and sculpting all his life.” The abstract renderings are balanced with his realistic detailing, creating pieces that are simply wry interpretations of actual birds and planes.
Short Bio
Story began sculpting reliefs of faces and human torsos while attending Kenyon College in Ohio. After receiving his degree in the late 1960s, Brad returned to his hometown to build boats at his family’s shipyard. In just short of thirty years, Story completed over fifty boats, ranging in size from daysailers to jet-drive power yachts using wood and composite materials. Story's boatbuilding knowledge is now applied to his current work, and his love for planes and neighborhood birds inspire his pieces.
Similar Artwork
At the Airport
Brad Story's New England upbringing clearly plays a large role in his artwork. In addition to boat building, quilting is also a significant aspect of the New England culture. See how Ross Palmer Beecher's Pop Can Quilts, a series of pieces on view at the Sea-Tac Airport, are inspired by that same New England tradition. Follow the STQRY link below in the Connected Stories section to see Beecher's Pop Can Quilts.
Connected Stories
Learn More
Roscoe - Brad Story
The use of wood and fiberglass reflect the artist's interest in the construction methods of both airplanes and boatbuilding.