Behold Salmon Waves. Seven stainless steel sculptures they are. Rising from the plaza next to the Ballard Locks. Each wave a unique swirl. They reach up to nine feet high.
This isn’t just any art installation. It’s a celebration. A celebration of the fish ladder. The Corps of Engineers built it. They built it to help salmon. Salmon navigate the locks. They travel from the freshwater of Lake Washington. Their journey takes them to the saltwater of Puget Sound. The sculpture commemorates this vital passage.
Paul Sorey created Salmon Waves. He’s a local artist. His work often features nature’s forms. He uses metal to create oversized whimsical shapes. Think massive flowers and tree fractals. His sculptures grace outdoor sites throughout the Northwest. Salmon Waves is a perfect example of his style. The waves evoke the ocean’s movement. The smooth surfaces resemble ripples on water. Clever curlicues finish each wave.
At night things get even more interesting. Embedded LEDs add a magical touch. They flash images of swimming salmon. These digital salmon reflect the real ones below. The real salmon swim in the fish ladder. They journey to spawn and continue their life cycle. The sculpture’s lights add a layer of artistic expression. They also remind us of the salmon’s precious journey.
The Salmon Waves sculptures are more than just beautiful. They tell a story. A story of nature perseverance. A story of human ingenuity. The fish ladder and the art installation work together. They highlight the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures. So take your time. Absorb the art. Reflect on the natural wonder of the salmon. And their annual migration.