Drone film of Bay View Station by Ruben Santoyo-Mendez

Bay View Station was installed at Western Washington University in 1987 by Mr. Trakas; it was a temporary installation until the David and Kay Syre Family donated it as a permanent display. When renovating Bay View Station in summer 2016, Mr. Trakas talked with The Western Window about the works design and inspiration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_bh-d2CFMM#  skip to 7:10). He was most influenced by the school and the students; he wanted to create a spot that could get you out of the class and into area to hang out and discuss that was more than a concrete pad and a few benches. Almost thirty years old and it has seen and helped more students can be counted, I would say that Mr. Trakas’s work has defiantly fulfilled its purpose.

I felt like the power that the piece produces is based on the location, interaction, and the similarity it holds to a pier. The location that overlooks the bay makes you think of being at the water’s edge. It is almost like it is inviting you to sit on it and look out at the bay. From the vertical logs to the white wood planks it makes me think of a regular pier that I would go to when I was young to go fishing on my weekends. To sum it up this art piece makes me think of my home; the Puget Sound. But after researching the work I understand the point and the feeling behind his work, he was thinking of the students and students still use it today.

When I was first looking at this piece I was concerned about stepping on it because of the nature about art and statues of ‘do not touch’. So I walked around it, looked from above , and slowly noticed details about it; the stones between the gaps in the piece,  metal vs non metal parts that held it together and gave it its shape. Even without using it for it’s intentional purpose I formed my own ideas about the possibilities of the piece, it makes me think about what I can do next and how to be productive. In my opinion none of the other sculptures on Western Washington University campus matches The Bay View Station’s ability to form a connection with a student and have a real impact on them.

About the artist

Mr. Trakas is a Canadian/ American artist who currently resides in New York. Born in Quebec City, Quebec in 1944. He is world renown for his work in North America and Western Europe, using non-habited areas to create his pieces. By using landscaping techniques, he tries to take the viewer on a mental journey to discover a path of one’s self. His work explores the idea and connections between nature, humans, and urban-spaces. When he creates his sculptures, he uses the area’s natural resources, while using recycled materials, and creates a strong sense of community where he builds his pieces.

Group 1

Alexander Shaw- Post Admin/ writer and research

Ruben Santoyo–Mendez- Photography and research