Here, at the corner of Beacon Avenue and Spokane Street, lies a hidden dialogue. It is between the roots and the water. We are standing before Hydro Roots from the project Vista. This artwork is by Glenn Herlihy. It is not just a sculpture. It is a statement about nature’s delicate balance.
Hydro Roots consists of three decorative cast concrete planters. They feature stainless steel corners. Each planter measures six feet by eight feet by two feet. The artist created Hydro Roots in 2005.
Herlihy’s artist statement reveals the core of Hydro Roots. It is about being a tree planter. The foundation of his concept is the give-and-receive between roots and water. Water nourishes the roots. Then the tree grows. The tree provides shade so the water exists in its liquid form. Tree roots keep sediments in place. This allows for clear water to flow.
The metal corners of Hydro Roots symbolize pipes. Humans use these to transport water. Herlihy suggests this is similar to what roots do.
Hydro Roots is part of Seattle’s public art collection. It was funded by the Seattle Department of Transportation. One percent of construction funds were dedicated to art. The City of Seattle also contributed.
Consider the interconnectedness of the natural world. Hydro Roots is a reminder of this. It is a celebration of the unseen processes that sustain life. It highlights our role in preserving these vital connections.