George Trakas: Bayview Station ‘A peaceful view’

History of the artist

George Trakas is an american/canadian artist, he was born in Quebec City, Quebec in 1944.  Trakas received his bachelor’s degree in art history at New York University in 1969 and and is now known as an environmental sculptor. Trakas work is mostly all outdoors and takes in the nature and associates it with a persons view of the outdoors and the water. Trakas intent was to make a neutral viewing place for the viewers to escape and bring the community together in an unexpected way.  what makes this piece so cool is that it resembles a dock, even though there is not a body of water close to it, this is what makes it art,  it gives the idea of a dock, but without the water, and just a provides a view of the bay.

What was happening during this period of time 1987
Regionally in the state of Washington, there were lots of big happenings during this time.
Some of the important events events include:
-The eruption of mount St. Helens
-The explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986.
-Tacoma Dome opened its doors on April 21, 1983
-The population of Washington state was 4,132,400

Locally in Whatcom County in 1980’s was a very popular region because of its amount of recreational activities, being that Whatcom County is very close to the bay waters.  The Ski to Sea festival was a fun event that people would come and watch and interact with, thousands of athletes and competitors race from the top of Mt. Baker down to the bay by fairhaven. Having a college campus also made it very appealing because it had a very tight community.Nationally in America around the 1980’s there was a lot going on.  America was recovering from war, and some uncertainty with the government.  There were a few scandals going on and the people just weren’t in the best place.In the 1980’s, America was recovering from a lot of bad times in the world.  War and lots of uncertainty with the government had people on edge.  Lots of scandals had taken place in the government, and the people really didn’t know who to trust anymore.  Western Washington University at this time had just been renamed to Western Washington University in 1977.  Previously being known as New Whatcom State Normal School.  The way people were so unsettled with everything made for a perfect time to create this Bay View Station.  George Trakas made this piece on the recently re-named campus Western Washington University, with the intent of a peaceful, and welcoming area to sit, stand, walk on, etc.  The artwork does a very well job of giving off a very easy peaceful vibe.

Artist Statement

George Trakas had one intention for this piece. He wanted this piece to be a safe place for people to escape the world, and everything that’s going on in their lives. George wanted this place to be like a safe haven for people to go to as a place of peace. When looking at this piece we see the resemblance of a dock, with no water, but a wonderful view of the bay. Whenever we are able to visit this place, we like to admire the view, and the quietness. All of the surroundings make for a very peaceful experience. This piece was made in 1987, and yet today it still has the same peaceful experience it was always meant to have.