Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Brad Rude. Photo courtesy of the artist.

New Heights, 2016

Brad Rude
(American, born 1964)

Location: Cascadia Technical Academy, Vancouver

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Brad Rude's sculpture New Heights features a pyramid of animals, trees and plants, and man-made elements (ladder, boat, wheel, and bridges) interacting with the natural landscape at its base (snow-capped mountain, rivers, deserts, ocean shores, and islands). The artwork is displayed on a platform that is like a forest service lookout tower. Rude calls it a “diorama platform”. He notes: "as a tribute to the spirit of exploring what lies ahead of us, this sculpture illustrates possibilities and challenges posed when asking ourselves what we would like to become. By working together, we each discover our own unique path, while also lifting each other to New Heights ."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Eastern Washington artist Brad Rude creates narrative sculptures that feature various animals in playful, symbolically rich compositions. He notes, "I portray animals in situations that mimic our own lives. The animals are a stand in for us."

Rude studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He lives and works in Walla Walla, Southeastern Washington.