Artwork copyright Norman Courtney. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Norman Courtney. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission (detail).

Artwork copyright Norman Courtney. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Norman Courtney. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Norman Courtney. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Cross Sections, 2014

Norman Courtney
(American, born 1947, died 2017)

Location: Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Cross Sections is one of three terrazzo benches created by artist Norman Courtney for Clover Park Technical College in Pierce County, Western Washington. He installed the three benches in the courtyard of the Allied Health Building, along with four sculptural panels.

Based on the themes of transformation and discovery, the benches and panels reference botanical illustrations of North American medicinal plants. The benches show the seedpods. Courtney notes, "Many medicinal plants that were being harvested and cultivated by the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas were taken back to Europe over the next couple of centuries, often the first treatments for existing illnesses there."

The themes of transformation and discovery are also referring to the students who choose to transform their lives through the knowledge and training offered at Clover Park Technical College.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Clover Park Technical College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Norman Courtney (1947-2017) created sculptural installations for public spaces. Discussing his public sculptures, he noted, "It is important to reach out and involve an audience and to engage them in ways that they might not expect."

Courtney was based in Seattle. In 1978, he founded the glass program at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle. He also taught at Pilchuck Glass school in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington, from 1974 until 1992.