Wow. Look at this incredible Tree Bench. It’s not just a bench. It’s a sculpture. A work of art.
This Tree Bench in Pratt Park was created by the artist Paul Sorey. It’s made of stainless steel concrete and colored mortar. It’s surprisingly large. It measures 18 inches high 300 inches wide and 300 inches deep.
Sorey’s Tree Bench isn’t your typical park bench. It’s designed to resemble a cross-section of a tree. Imagine a giant tree trunk sliced down the middle. That’s the basic shape. Hundreds of small steel bars create the texture of bark. The artist cleverly used concrete and mortar to fill in the gaps between the steel bars.
The Tree Bench isn’t just about its appearance. It’s also about what it represents. The artist intended it to symbolize the diverse branches of human culture. All coming together to form something beautiful and useful. Something greater than the sum of its parts.
This Tree Bench wasn’t just spontaneously built. It was funded by the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. It’s a part of Seattle’s 1% for Art program. This program allocates a percentage of city funds to public art projects. This ensures that Seattle’s public spaces have artistic value.
Now as you sit on the Tree Bench take a moment to appreciate the details. Feel the cool smooth steel. The slightly rough texture of the concrete. Think about the story behind this unique piece of urban art. Think about how it connects to Seattle’s commitment to art and culture. This Tree Bench isn’t just somewhere to rest. It’s a conversation starter a place of reflection and a symbol of community.
So next time you’re in Pratt Park remember this remarkable Tree Bench. A testament to art’s power to transform everyday spaces.