Yellow Knot: CUB art installation adds vibrant twist

Yellow Knot
 
 
PULLMAN, Wash. – The CUB’s dynamic as a hub of energy and diversity tying together the Washington State University Pullman campus is embodied in “Yellow Knot,” an art work that will be installed Monday, July 22, in the CUB west end atrium.
 
Installation will begin about 8:30 a.m., when the work is brought in through the ground level east doors, and is expected to continue through the morning, at least.
 
Designed and crafted in 2011 by Pacific Northwest sculptor Paul Vexler, the Douglas fir and painted plywood sculpture is 17 feet of captivating twists and vibrant color. More of Vexler’s works, and a lecture by him, will be featured at the beginning of the fall semester to start the CUB art gallery 2013-14 season.
 
In fall 2012, the CUB Arts Committee began searching for a signature piece of art to display. After reviewing hundreds of pieces, the group decided on “Yellow Knot.”
 
Vexler combines modern digital technology and traditional carpentry to create fascinating wooden sculptures. His art has been showcased in public and private installations, including several college and university campuses in Washington state.
 
A remarkable feature of his knot sculptures is that they are primarily held together by tension, with minimum hardware inserted, to allow for movement due to changes in temperature and humidity. As he was designing “Yellow Knot,” Vexler endeavored to create the biggest knot he could at the time. The vibrant yellow was one of the primary colors he was working with.
 
Of incorporating colors into his art, Vexler says, “You don’t know how important they are until you start using them.”
 
The CUB Arts Committee is comprised of WSU representatives from the Museum of Art; University Recreation; Center for Civic Engagement; Multicultural Student Services; International Programs; Visual, Performance and Literary Arts Committee; and Dean of Students.
 

 

Contacts:
Karee Shaw, CUB Event Services and Operations, 509-335-8711, karee.shaw@wsu.edu
Hilary Sandberg, CUB Marketing Services, 509-335-8721, unionmarketing@wsu.edu
Kyle Cance, CUB Administrative Services Marketing, 509-335-8462, kcance@wsu.edu