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The Torch: A Northwest Fire Theft, 2013
Steve Gardner
(American, born 1968)
Location: South Puget Sound Community College, Olympia
- ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Steve Gardner's glass installation The Torch: A Northwest Fire Theft is a Puget Sound version of the Prometheus myth. In Greek mythology, Prometheus steals fire from the gods to give it to humans, an act that allows progress and learning. In this Puget Sound version of the Prometheus myth, the hero is female and she brings her torch down from Mount Rainier to give fire (and knowledge) to everyone. Above her, in the sky, are constellations of the Puget Sound region: a salmon, a Salish style canoe, and an eagle. The hero is also made up of connected stars, as if she has descended from the night sky. The flame of her torch creates a circle of light, which is filled with symbols of learning and exploration. Many of these symbols relate specifically to the academics of South Puget Sound Community College: farrier's tools, poetry, the molecular structure of water, Douglas fir cones, a circuit board, a DNA helix, a transmission valve body, and more.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with South Puget Sound Community College.
- ABOUT THE ARTIST
Seattle-based ceramic artist Steve Gardner creates relief and free standing sculptures, as well as other three-dimensional artworks in a variety of materials. He received his Bachelor of Arts in art and biology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and his Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
ARTWORK DETAILS
- Material Category
Sculpture - glass
- Medium
Laser cut aluminum and kiln cast glass
- Dimensions
26 ft x 27 ft x 1 in
- ID Number
WSAC2012.020.000
- Acquisition Method
Site responsive commission
- Artist Location
Washington, United States
LOCATION INFORMATION
- Agency
South Puget Sound Community College
- Artwork Location
South Puget Sound Community College
Building 22, north bay curtain wall- WA County
Thurston
- Setting
Interior
- Site Type
College
- Address
2011 Mottman Rd. SW
Olympia, WA 98512- Geo. Coordinates
47.023496 | -122.929896
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- Map
To report an error or provide additional information, please contact us at collections@arts.wa.gov.