Artwork copyright Counsel Langley. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Counsel Langley. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Wiseknave, 2020.

Artwork copyright Counsel Langley. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Wiseknave, 2020.

Sunset Projector, 2020

Counsel Langley
(Nationality not provided, born 1973)

Location: Salish Coast Elementary, Port Townsend

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Salish Coast Elementary School in Port Townsend has four paintings that radiate positivity by artist Counsel Langley. She describes her paintings as being about “The way we sometimes want to be the center of attention and other times we want to be alone. And how we all deserve both. The way being quiet in nature—out in the woods, gazing up at the stars, watching a sunset—helps us feel okay even in difficult times.”

Langley combines loose painting techniques representing natural elements, with controlled lines and circles symbolizing the things we build. She uses a variety of materials on each artwork: paint, pencil drawings, glitter, collaged items and photos, and more.

Counsel Langley attended Salish Coast Elementary School, when it was called Grant Street School.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Lele Barnett at Salish Coast Elementary School, on the Olympic Peninsula in Northwest Washington. The site is also a public library, YMCA, and an active town gathering place. The local art selection committee wanted the students and community to be excited about artists in and from their region. They also asked for fun and dramatic art that is colorful enough to brighten grey-sky days.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Alaska-based artist and educator Counsel Langley makes artworks using a variety of materials. She grew up in Port Townsend, Washington, and was influenced by its maritime history and the traditions and materials of its ship-builders and metal foundry workers. Outer space, rock-n-roll, and science fiction are among the references in her imagery.
Langley received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Metals at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, Massachusetts.