About the Sculpture:

The original intent of Bigger Big Chair was to resemble knowledge, chairs are often associated with learning. “Chosen to represent Western’s future Academic Instructional Center”, a quote from www.westernfrontonline.net. The “Bigger Big Chair” was David Ireland’s last sculpture before passing away in 2009. The intent of the chair is the most interesting aspect of the design. Ireland proposed to have the chair placed outside of the

Wilson library; following the idea of learning and knowledge. However because of the size and material of the chair this proposal was declined and the chair was to be set past Fairhaven.

Here is a drawing of the original proposed placement for the sculpture by Suzanne Eykholt.

A video from KQED also stated that the original idea behind the Bigger Big Chair was to turn the actual chair into its own reading area.

About David Ireland:

He merged his real life experiences and everyday things within his artwork. David Ireland lived in San Francisco California but was born in Bellingham Washington in the 1930’s. He attended Western Washington University then transferred and moved to California. The time that Ireland was living in Bellingham, the city was mainly a logging, fishing, and an agricultural area. Ireland’s work often has an industrial feel and I wonder how his childhood growing up along the bay, near large steel boats and fishing ports might have influenced his later designs. David Ireland was very interested in poetry and I believe his passion for reading influenced the design of the “Bigger, Big Chair”. One of his quotes regarding his artwork was “you can’t make art by making art”. Ireland uses multiple mediums to express his experiences in life. Other works he is known for is his collection of sculptures that resemble ice cream sundaes, they are untitled but they are made with cement rather than ice cream. Because of his multiple mediums, other art pieces of his that were well known were forms of collages that seemed to have an eye catching 3D aspect to them due to overlaying black and white.

Our Experience:

Right off of a pathway the chair stands. Dark brown and steel it blends in with the surrounding trees and yet at the same time feels out of place. Bold and heavy appearance it’s tucked away past Fairhaven. Its interesting how the chair is positioned, overlooking the sports fields. Originally when viewing the sculpture I imagined of a spectator listening to the soccer scores or an overlooking observer over the western rec center and parking lots. The arm rests and overall shape of the chair seem playful and have almost a cartoon like aesthetic. After learning more about the sculpture my view has changed. After researching and discovering that David Ireland originally wanted the chair to be in front of the library representing knowledge I see the design as much more regal now, yet also misplaced.

 

Credits:

Website by Suzanne Eykholt and Holly Taylor

Drawing by Suzanne Eykholt

 

Bibliography:

Walter and McBean Galleries. “Exhibitions & Public Events.” David Ireland | SFAI. San Francisco Art Institute, 2017. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.

Schwartz, Jeremy, and Artist Completes Newest Sculpture Jeremy Schwartz The Western Front | 0 comments. “Artist Completes Newest Sculpture.” The Western Front. Outbrain, 28 Sept. 2007. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.

“David Ireland.” 44 Artworks, Bio & Shows on Artsy. Ed. Artsy. Artsy, 2017. Web. 08 Feb. 2017

KQED Spark – David Ireland. Dir. KQED Arts. Perf. David Ireland. David Ireland. KQED Inc, 13 Mar. 2009. Web. 8 Feb. 2017.

“The Bigr, Big Chair”. Cuong Truong. Sculpture Project, 2016. Website retrieved from, https://wp.wwu.edu/wwuart109/2016/11/08/bigger-big-chair-david-ireland/