Initial Reaction:

After visiting Lloyd Hamrols Log Ramps, our immediate thought was the connection the sculpture had to nature. The way the ramps fit in with the surrounding trees made the sculpture feel like it was meant to be there. What we found interesting is that they were not symmetrical but somewhat off put from one another adding a sense of openness to the sculpture. The atmosphere of the sculpture felt very pacific north west. Which we thought fit well with Western. The log ramp felt open enough where there could be a fire in the middle of it that would have a peaceful and cozy feeling. Being able to walk around, under, and on the sculpture made it feel more like you were part of it. Lloyd Hamrol has provided a sculpture that contributes to Western Washington University’s identity.

The Artist:

Llyod Hamrol is best-known for his works revolving around the environment, while many of his creations reflect natural landscapes, he frequently involves his pieces with other natural elements and resources. He was born in 1937 in San Francisco, California. Hamrol was a UCLA graduate, where he went on to teach until 1979. He quickly fixated all of his efforts towards public commissions from an assortment of works. With over thirty cite-specific installations, all of them intertwined within the continual devotion to embracing the panoramic nature surrounding the intended area. While being irrevocably tied to the Earth Art movement of the sixties and seventies. This era posed much controversy as this movement was widely rejected by most institutions. He had always particularly delved in what he stated as, “body of static, static architecturally defined installations which foretold, through imagery and imagistic associations…”. We see this through his emphasis on public-engagement and openness of various installations with his notion of an inviting space waiting to be explored.

The Sculpture:

The intent behind Hamrol’s piece Log Ramps, located on Western Washington University’s campus, exhibits the raw allurement and beauty bestowed within the Pacific Northwest. As you immediately notice the four cantilevered sloped ramps, you cannot help but notice its ascending and open demeanor. Strategically, Hamrol used native logs of the Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, in which perfectly match the surrounding environment. As he utilized the given space, he intentionally integrated the placement within his chosen landscape. This sculpture gives off the emanating feel of the towering trees and naturalistic elements that the Northwest is inherently known for. Lloyd intentionally placed it in one of the central lawns on campus for the students to be able to utilize and acknowledge this particular sculpture. Hamrol also used native materials while making an iconic archetypal gesture towards the local history involving the commercial commerce of lumber.

Citations:

“Log Ramps.” Western Gallery, Western Washington University, .westerngallery.wwu.edu/sculpture/log-ramps.

Paul , Thomas. “Lloyd Hamrol.” Lloyd Hamrol – Thomas Paul Fine Art, 2017, www.tpaulfineart.com/index.php/artists/bio/lloyd_hamrol#.

Association of America , The College Art. “Figure 2f from: Irimia R, Gottschling M (2016) Taxonomic    Revision of Rochefortia Sw. (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales). Biodiversity Data Journal 4: e7720. Https://Doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.4.e7720.” Art Journal , vol. 34, no. 4, 1975. Summer, 1975, doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f.

Credit:

Erik Anderson: Video/Editing, Written post, Copy editor, Posted the blog

Sarah Whetsell: Research, Written post

Adrienne Barnhart: Research