The Artist

Sculpture today is often complex and inaccessible to the viewer. Lloyd Hamrol’s work is not. Throughout his career Hamrol has been enamored with simplicity and minimalism in sculpture. His work often harks back to older sometimes ancient art and architecture. His often site specific, land based work reminds the viewer more of a tomb or a monument to the gods than a work of art from the mid 70s. Lloyd Hamrol graduated from UCLA in 1963 and started out with interest in minimalism. During this time he found that Jack Kennedy’s assassination and the rise of the second wave feminist movement had a large impact on his philosophical outlook. He was also inspired by primitive homes for they are the fundamental form of community and social gathering. The 1970’s was a divided time, still in the midst of the Vietnam War, heated protests over U.S. involvement occurred all over the country. In this time of controversy Hamrol found when working in the public sphere how important it is to take into consideration the public’s needs.

Log Ramps (1974)

With this in mind Hamrol specifically wanted to create a piece that would not be confrontational to the viewer. Instead focusing on reaching a large diverse audience by creating a communal gathering spot for the public to come together. Log Ramps was made in the 1974 as a spring quarter student workshop project designed and directed by Hamrol. He had originally intended that the four ramps be covered in sod to appear as an eruption from the earth. However after some further research he found this too impractical. Hamrol’s intent was connect to the viewer on a cultural, social, and emotional level that would speak to viewers of varied backgrounds and heritages. Made out douglas fir and western red cedar Log Ramps was originally located where Parks Hall now stands it was demolished in 1981 to make room for said new building. It was moved to its current spot chosen because of its proximity to the environmental science building and reconstructed in 1983 and 1995.
He wanted Log Ramps to be situated in such a way that is was close to high traffic student walkways, offering a place to relax and socialize off the beaten path. This piece was intended to have deep connections to nature as well as culture. Physically, he wanted to create community. Hamrol didn’t want viewers, he wanted participants. So, he created a space that did just that. On any given nice day here in Bellingham students and professors alike can be found sitting on the logs, grass, or under the sculpture enjoying the beautiful weather and campus.

Sources:

Clark-Langager, Sarah.  Sculpture in Place. Western Washington University, 2002.

Dougherty, P. “About 450 Canadians invade Blaine on May 9,1970” Historylink.org, http://www.historylink.org/File/8242 . Aug 02 2007,  accessed February 04, 2017.

Hamrol, L. “about” Lloyd Hamrol Sculpture, http://www.lloydhamrol.com/about. 2015, accessed Jan 20, 2017.

Hamrol, L. “sitedworks” Lloyd Hamrol Sculpture, http://www.lloydhamrol.com/sitedworks. 2015, accessed Jan 20, 2017.

McClary, D. “Ronald J. Anderson, deserter from U.S. Army, is arrested in Peace Arch Park on August 24, 1974” Historylink.org, http://www.historylink.org/File/9804. May 3,2011, accessed February 04, 2017.

“Western Gallery.” Western Gallery. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2017.

Credit:

Alex Mayberry: Photography and Written Post

Steph Shinn: Research and Editing/Format of Post