Hidden among Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods lies the Seattle Scatter Piece. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a journey. A voyage across the city’s landscape.
Created by artist Mark Lere the Seattle Scatter Piece started as a simple drawing. A boat shape overlaid on a map of Seattle. This boat drawing formed the foundation of five planned sculptures. These sculptures when viewed together form a larger boat shape. The locations of the sculptures were chosen deliberately. They are on city-owned land. Each site showcases a unique iteration of the boat theme.
The project began in 1981 and finally concluded in 2005. Unfortunately only four of the five original sculptures remain. One site on Harbor Island never materialized. The Seattle Scatter Piece was a complex project. Getting all the necessary approvals from the city took many years. The project showcases the artist’s vision. It also reflects the collaborative nature of public art projects.
Imagine traversing the city. Connecting the four remaining sites. You would feel like a modern-day explorer. Each sculpture offers a different perspective on the boat theme. One is a drinking fountain at Laurelhurst Playfield. Another is a viewpoint overlooking Interbay. A third features geometric forms on Beacon Hill. The Bitter Lake piece was even rebuilt after the original was removed. It now incorporates the boat form into a grassy landscape.
The Seattle Scatter Piece is more than just art. It’s a reflection of Seattle itself. A testament to the enduring power of collaboration and artistic vision. It’s an invitation. An invitation to explore the city and discover the hidden gems within. A reminder that art can transform even the most ordinary spaces.
So the next time you’re in Seattle. Take the time to visit the Seattle Scatter Piece. Experience this unique artwork. Discover the story behind the boat that spans the city.