Eyes on the World - Richard C. Elliott

Where is it?

Baggage Claim

Elliott's piece can be found near Carousel 15.

About the Art

Richard Elliott’s Eyes on the World welcomes those who travel through the airport with radiant light and color. Three layers of bicycle reflectors are adhered to Plexiglas in a pattern that resembles Columbia Plateau baskets. The double diamond design shines on and gives blessing to all those who use the facility.

"I combine active light medium with two-dimensional geometric designs similar to patterns found from the Arctic Circle to the Amazon jungle. These designs, echoing the patterns within us, have connected people to the living fabric of life since the dawn of time.” – Richard C. Elliott

The Details

Artist

Richard C. Elliott

Date

2005

Medium

Interactive light installation (acrylic safety reflectors on Plexiglas lit from behind)

Dimensions

6' 3" high x 20' wide

Did you know?

The piece was retitled during fabrication from The Old Inspires the New. Elliott cites the change: “When people at the sign company asked me what it means, I explained that it was inspired from cornhusk baskets from the Plateau Indians along the Columbia. The foreman, who is from Mexico, said they refer to similar double diamond patterns as 'The Eyes of God'."

  • <p>© Richard Elliott</p>
  • <p>© Richard Elliott</p>
  • <p>© Richard Elliott</p>
  • <p>© Richard Elliott</p>
  • <p>© Richard Elliott</p>
  • <p>© Richard Elliott</p>
  • <p>Photo courtesy of Don Wilson</p>

About the Artist

Richard C. Elliott developed a number of “signature styles” using materials from traditional oil paint to computer graphics, practicing in styles that range from folk to op art. As an artist, Elliott refrained from settling with the status quo. Elliott once said, “If you don’t get three rejection letters a month, you’re not working hard enough.” This drive and unwavering ambition led him to “paint” with acrylic reflectors, using light instead of conventional pigment to create his geometric compositions.

Short Bio

Between 1986 and 2009, Elliott had completed thirty public art commissions. He received his B.A. in art and economics from Central Washington University and was later honored with the Distinguished Alumni award in 2000.

Similar Artwork

Work by Richard Elliott

The River, consisting of layered acrylic reflectors, covers the windows at the City of Renton’s Municipal Parking Garage to pay homage to the Cedar River.

At the Airport

Elliott is known for his reflective contribution to the op art movement, an artistic theme characterized by the use of abstract patterns to create the illusion of movement. To see another artwork of the same artistic genre in the Sea-Tac Airport, visit Francis Celentano's Spectrum Delta II.

Follow the STQRY link below to learn more about Elliott’s local work and discover the similarities between Elliott and Celentano.

Eyes on the World - Richard C. Elliott

This piece greets those who travel through the airport. The artwork is lit from the interior and is inspired by Columbia Plateau baskets.