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Homage to Living Systems

Betsy Damon

Chinook Bend Natural Area

A three-part artwork honors the lifecycle of water and the increasing bio-dynamism of Chinook Bend.

Betsy Damon. Homage to Living Systems: Living Water Compass, 2010. Carved granite and cast glass. Chinook Bend Natural Area, Carnation, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: joefreemanjunior.com

The Chinook Bend Natural Area in Carnation, WA sits inside the Snoqualmie River's 100-year floodplain, bordered by the river on three sides. King County has taken a holistic approach to water management, recycling reclaimed water and restoring the floodplain with forest, wetland, and improved wildlife habitat. In Homage to Living Systems, artist Betsy Damon celebrates the energy of Chinook Bend and tells a story about the importance of water.

Three elements comprise the artwork: Living Water Compass features a low relief image of a magnified drop of water, full of vitality and vortices—a metaphor for the site returning to an integrated living system. Pole to Measure Floods identifies flood levels by measuring the rising and falling waters across the seasons. Seating Stones, etched glacial boulders with natural imagery and text that signals revitalization, such as “reveal,” “restore,” and “revere,” provides a place for visitors to rest and view the river and surrounding environs.
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Betsy Damon. Homage to Living Systems: Pole to Measure Floods, 2010. Cast glass, carved granite, and galvanized steel. Chinook Bend Natural Area, Carnation, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: joefreemanjunior.com
Betsy Damon. Homage to Living Systems: Seating Stones, 2010. Etched granite. Chinook Bend Natural Area, Carnation, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: joefreemanjunior.com
Betsy Damon. Homage to Living Systems: Seating Stones (Restore), 2010. Etched granite. Chinook Bend Natural Area, Carnation, WA. King County Public Art Collection. Photo: joefreemanjunior.com