"Common Threads: Community Patterns," was created for the plaza at the Beacon Hill light rail station (located at South Lander Street and Beacon Avenue South). There are 3 primary parts to the project:
1. Fifty five 2' x2' granite pavers in eleven groupings run like carpets through the plaza. Each of these is sandblasted with a different pattern inspired by a traditional textile motif, and together they represent the diverse cultural backgrounds which make up the southeast Seattle community. The traditional motifs were carefully researched and the graphics were produced full size in hand-cut paper.
2. Three banner poles support 9 kinetic wind-driven metal banners. The banners have pattern elements cut into them taken from all 55 paving motifs, suggesting the recombining of cultures in the ever changing American cultural tapestry.
3. On the north side of the building is a large cut metal screen with a pre-Columbian Aztec motif, facing El Centro de la Raza across Lander Street. Over the course of three years I worked with Roberto Maestas and El Centro de la Raza to ultimately have them name the piece which is dedicated to El Centro and their roll in the community. Hopefully soon another plaque will be installed displaying the chosen name: "The Mexica Journey: A Beacon of Unidad, Resistencia and Hope." At that point, El Centro is planning a celebration. You can find a more complete story of this piece under the "Louver Panel" page tab.
