Norie Sato

Site and Specificity: 

Meaning Through a Personal Lens

 

Artists who make public art are often asked to make the projects relate to the site and context and to “respond” to the various conditions and parameters. But what does it mean to do that? Norie’s public artwork depends upon the site and the context for its conceptual base, and her work is built on the intersection between the specifics of the site and project, and her own interests as an artist. As such, her artistic response is different from project to project and her works sometimes look as if they were created by different artists. Through closer examination of several projects from process to completion, she will talk about her process, what she looks for, how she responds to the specifics and which specifics are most important to her in each project. Sometimes, rather than simply responding, her projects can set the tone and the specifics of a place itself.



Norie Sato is a Seattle-based artist who, over 30 plus years, has created individual, collaborative, design team public art projects as well as public art plans. In 2014, she received the Public Art Network Leadership Award and the Washington State Governor’s Art Award for an Individual Artist. She has worked in university facilities, airports, libraries, transit and parks throughout the US. 

More at noriesato.com

This talk will be preceded by a short performance by 16-year-old professional yoyo competitor, Harrison Lee. A popular performer at local festivals and charitable events, Harrison is often referred to as Vancouver’s “Yoyo Kid.” He was the 2013 Canadian National Freestyle Yoyo Champion and silver medalist in 2014, and represents Canada at yoyo contests around the world. Harrison is also an inspirational speaker giving talks about yoyo’s at schools, conferences (including TEDxKids) and public events. 

More at facebook.com/HarrisonTheYoyoer