This giant five-ton flowerpot was installed on the downtown Seattle corner of 7th and Union on June 25, 2011. A culmination of seven years of work for local artist Ginny Ruffner, she oversaw the the installation process of her 27 foot tall flowerpot, containing a daisy, bluebells, a pink tulip and a red watering can. The sculpture is computer controlled, orchestrating the movement of the individuals pieces – the watering can moves up and down and pours about a gallon of water at a time into the pot, the daisy spins and the bluebells open and close.
A window in the northeast side of the pot provides a view of the inner workings which regulate the movements. On Seventh Avenue between Pike and Union Streets, Seattle Sheraton has created a block long art zone called ‘Garden Walk,’ and ‘Urban Garden,’ the giant flowerpot is the focal point.
Most of Ruffner’s artwork is more abstract than this quite literal creation of flowers in a pot and gained a name for herself as a glass artist. She also works in other mediums, but this is her first sculpture with moving parts.
Motorists who exit Interstate 5 at Union Street to access downtown Seattle will be greeted with this large cheerful sculpture. Pedestrians as well, who access ACT Theater and the Washington State Convention Center will be given a delightful view of this whimsical creation. Some public art leaves me a bit mystified, but I really like this piece, it is bright, colorful and joyful! What do you think about this new art display?
Wow. And wow again.
This morning at 05:30 when I arrived at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Union Street, ‘Wow,’ was my first reaction too!
This is magical, I’m sure it’s quite a show stopper during the day. Your photograph is real eye candy too.
Thanks PJ… it is rather magical, full of whimsy!
Madge I love the wide angle photos you took. It helps show the scale of the flower pot.
Thanks Bruce… I absolutely love my Pentax fish-eye lens (10-17mm) it allows shots I could not get any other way! And as you say it does show scale, albeit a skewed view due to the lens distortion, but I rather like it sometimes!