Cathy Fields, A Delicate Balance (detail), 2008, Union Street Electric Gallery.
A Delicate Balance
Cathy Fields
Through October 2008A Delicate Balance, a series of paintings reproduced as a vinyl mesh mural 14 feet high and 100 feet long, provides commentary on how electricity is embedded in our daily lives and how dependent our lifestyle is on this source of power. The mural by Seattle artist Cathy Fields features pictorial elements that provide a backdrop for the story of how our power is generated.
"We have devices to fan us, tan us, massage our muscles and filter our air. We can flip a switch to heat or cool, arm an alarm or light up the night," writes Fields in an artist statement. "Farming power from wind, wave and sunlight without environmental risk may keep future generations living the lifestyle to which we've become accustomed. Electricity is integral to our lives, and neither it nor nature is something to be taken for granted."
The Union Street Electric Gallery is located on the western exterior wall of the Seattle City Light facility at Union Street and Western Avenue. Seattle City Light 1% for Art funds support this large-scale exhibition space. The artwork is designed to enhance the workplace of City Light employees.