Artwork copyright Kathy Gore-Fuss. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Kathy Gore-Fuss. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Kathy Gore-Fuss. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Grip, 1999

Kathy Gore-Fuss
(American, born 1955)

Location: Tacoma Community College, Tacoma

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Grip is part of a series of sculptures by artist Kathy Gore-Fuss that combine the human form with objects and natural elements. The forms are embellished with dried flower petals and relief prints using materials such as antique lace and bird feathers. This piece features Clematis flower petals to create the surface of the hands. The form held by the hands was created using printed silk tissue. The artist notes that this piece "attempts to capture the essence of an individual's struggle and the question as to whether it is internal or external."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Community College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Olympia, Washington-based artist Kathy Gore-Fuss works outdoors ("en plein air"), painting amid the trees and on the shorelines of the Pacific Northwest. Her artworks, including sculptural constructions, observe and explore natural forms.

Gore-Fuss received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drawing from the University of Washington in Seattle. She has also been active as an artist-in-residence and teacher at Washington K-12 schools and colleges.