Steel and plastic. That’s what Surge-Bad Buoys is made of. Right here before us stands this intriguing public art. It’s part of a larger piece called Surge. Surge is located at the Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. This specific vignette. Bad Buoys. It’s one of three. There’s also Falling Water and Wiggle Posts. All created by Benson Shaw in 2010.
Benson Shaw’s Bad Buoys is more than just a sculpture. It’s a statement. It’s a part of a project commissioned by Seattle Public Utilities and the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. The artwork wasn’t just plopped down. It was thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. Imagine the planning. The discussions. The artist’s vision. To transform a utilitarian space into something beautiful and engaging.
The artwork isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about the environment. The Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel itself is a testament to urban renewal. It’s a place where nature and city life meet. Bad Buoys is a silent observer. It silently witnesses the ebb and flow of life around it. A reflection of the community. A symbol of revitalization.
More than just steel and plastic. Bad Buoys is about community. About the collaboration between artists and city planners. About the transformation of a formerly neglected area. It’s a conversation starter. It’s a photo opportunity. It’s a moment of beauty in an unexpected place. It’s a piece of Seattle’s public art story. A story that’s waiting to be discovered. A story waiting to be explored. A story for you to experience.