Artwork copyright Robert Purser. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Purser. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Ric Rac, 2000

Robert Purser
(American, born 1940, died 2009)

Location: Rainier Elementary, Rainier

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Ric Rac is part of artist Robert Purser's series of sculptural quilts constructed from found objects, toys, and airbrushed, torn, and sewn paper. This piece highlights color variations and features objects created out of wood and wire, in a "ricrac" pattern. Seeking to explore color relationships and humor, Purser noted that "those who live with my works tell me that they continue to see new things each time they look at them. I hope this piece will bring continuing delight to the viewers." Ricrac is a type of fabric ribbon with a zigzag shape, often used as trim for clothing or curtains.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Rainier School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Robert Purser (1940-2009) explored many different materials and processes over his career as an artist and educator. He was known for his work in textiles and for architecturally driven, quilt-like sculptures made of found objects and sewn paper. Bellevue College (in Bellevue, Western Washington) hired him as their first art instructor, and he taught there for forty-four years.
Purser received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he served in the Peace Corps doing craft development work in Peru, South America. He then received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1966. He received a PhD in architectural education from the University of Oregon in 1978.