The Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has commissioned local emergent artists to develop new temporary art installations for four locations in north Seattle. The project features four site locations in Wallingford, Fremont, and Ballard that make use of temporary construction walls and fences as part of the Ship Canal Water Quality Project.
This year, eight artists have created temporary works exploring themes of water, environment, and our human impact in and around the ship canal. ARTS is excited to present this year’s final four FLOW: Art Along the Ship Canal artists.
Salmon FLOW by Dozfy
Ballard – 24th Ave NW & Shilshole Ave NW
Dozfy is a Seattle-based artist who explores stories, histories, and connectedness through his public artworks. Reflecting a balance of yin and yang, his art embodies planning and effortlessness, precision and flexibility. Dozfy has a degree in studio art from the University of Texas, and his artistic style is influenced by Chinese calligraphy, Japanese and American art, realism, comic books, Ansel Adams, and Jackson Pollock.
As part of the FLOW ship canal project, Dozfy has chosen to spotlight three local salmon species that have shaped history and culture in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years. Sockeye, Chinook, and Coho salmon are intrinsically linked to Ballard — roughly 75,000 pass through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Ballard itself, home to an industrial working waterfront and strong maritime heritage, also reflects some of the defining characteristics of salmon. Like the keystone species, Ballard and the people who call it home are hardworking, determined, tough, and willing to meet challenges head-on.
Soak It Up by Shawn Parks
East Ballard – NW 45th St. & 11th Ave NW
Art does not need to be long-term. This is a “time will tell” project that responds to the stormwater upgrade through the Ship Canal Water Quality Project. The idea is for elements of our environment to be absorbed into the sponges over 6 months. They will transform starting out bright, fresh, and new. What goes into our water and environment is up to us. A visual reminder that everyone is always downstream from someone else. Hopefully, viewers will soak it up.
Convergence, Divergence by Christy Caravaglio
Fremont – NW 36th St. & Leary Way NW
“My work is inspired by the geometry of quilting and textile patterns as well as the joy of working with yarn and fibers. The design of Convergence, Divergence was inspired by the idea that the water we use converges from many rivers and streams into our homes and then diverges again to drainage, treatment, and the broader sound.” – Christy Caravaglio
Oceans of Emotions by Lisa Liedgren Alexandersson & Kait Rhoads
Wallingford – N 35th St & Interlake Ave N
“The title of our installation is a response to the pandemic and turbulent political times. As SPU is updating the drainage system through Seattle neighborhoods to reroute wastewater safely, Oceans of Emotion aims to free stagnant life force and release collective emotional blockage.” – Lisa Liedgren Alexandersson & Kait Rhoads
The artist team has invited Seattle residents to create miniature artworks responding to the phrase ‘Release and Embrace’ in words and drawings. The project is open for participation (digitally) until November 1, 2021.
These temporary works will be on view for six months and then be changed to feature new artwork and artists including Tommy Segundo, Toka Valu, Clare Johnson, KT Hancock, and Sarah Terry.
FLOW: Art Along the Ship Canal is an annual program that will use the construction fences along the project as a backdrop to allow artists to showcase their unique voice and provide a changing gallery of experiences for those who walk, bike, drive along the Burke-Gilman Trail and throughout the area.
Artists were selected by a panel of artists, community members, and city staff. The project is commissioned with SPU 1% for Art funds.
