Inbound - Kay Kirkpatrick
Where is it?
South Satellite
The artwork is viewed where deplaning international passengers arrive in the South Satellite Terminal.
About the Art
The images found in the piece originate in the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest, introducing the visitor to the surrounding region and welcoming them back from their long trip through the hostile world of the upper atmosphere.
The patterns derive from five sources: the wetland hellebore lily, the rippled surface of the Puget Sound, the snow-laden boughs of the Douglas fir, the barren branches of the Sitka alder, and the tumbling rocky streambeds of the Cascade Mountains.
"In the Northwest, our eyes turn always to the great forests; they hold our dreams, mark our memories, and provide us sustenance and safe haven. The trees stand together in order and harmony despite inundation by the chaos of life. Although hiding uncertainty and the unknown in their vastness, they shelter and protect us." – Kay Kirkpatrick
The Details
Artist
Kay Kirkpatrick
Date
2003
Medium
Mixed-media wall reliefs (plastic laminate, plywood, enamel on steel, steel, birch, ply, ceramic tiles)
Dimensions
4' wide x 8' high panels, 98 panels total
Did you know?
Each pattern was fabricated in a different material to enhance the appearance of texture.
About the Artist
Experienced in sculptural and ceramic installation art, Kay Kirkpatrick’s studio and public work explores the patterns where the manufactured and natural worlds converge. Kay takes great care in researching the context and culture pertaining to the site of her commissions.
Short Bio
Born in Colorado, Kay received her B.F.A. in ceramics from Washington University in Missouri and her Master of Library Science degree from the University of Washington. In addition to her public commissions for the Wenatchee Convention Center and the Southwest Police Precinct Building in Seattle, her work has been displayed in exhibitions and collections throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Similar Artwork
Work by Kay Kirkpatrick
- Rescue: this artwork shelters the entrance to Crown Hill’s Fire Station 35 and reflects the 1950s-inspired architecture of the neighborhood.
- Waterprints: at the Southwest Police Precinct in the Delridge neighborhood are windows etched in many languages the department’s mission to the public.
At the Airport
Kay Kirkpatrick manipulated manufactured materials, like laminate and plastic, to create depictions of Northwest nature. See how Peter de Lory employs the same methods of fabrication, combining organic with man-made materials, to create artwork that recognizes the city’s character. Follow the STQRY link below to see de Lory's Champion at the airport, and try to see the correlations between these two artists' pieces.
Connected Stories
Inbound - Kay Kirkpatrick
The natural environment of the Pacific Northwest serves as the inspiration of this piece.