This fireplace surround was created for the reading area of the new Snohomish Library. The sculptural elements (the hearth, tiles, mantle, columns, capitols, and bas relief) are all made of architectural terra cotta and colored with slips and glazes. The surrounding woodwork was also designed and fabricated by the artist.
The imagery is based on the native plants of the surrounding forest, which has been an important feature in the history of Snohomish County. The location of the plants within the forest is reflected in their placement around the fireplace.
At the bottom (the hearth) are images of fallen leaves, bunchberry,and other ground cover.
At the middle of the surround are column capitals with images of mid-level shrubs and trees such as trailing blackberry, vine maple and Nootka Rose.
At the top is a bas relief sculpture of the upper storey forest, with the trunks, branches, and cones of Douglas Fir.
In front is the artist, looking rather smug
