Public Art
Cheryll has been involved in Public Art programs as an artist and administrator since the 1980's. Having served on local, county and state arts commissions she is well versed in the sensitivity to the "sense of place" required in designing art for public places. Her knowledge of and expertise in durable materials designed for high traffic areas has enabled her artwork to pass the test of time. Through her work in research and development for the porcelain enamel industry, Cheryll is known for introducing porcelain enamel for use public art.
Oracle Bones - Wing Luke Asian Museum
View From Gold Mountain
View from Gold Mountain is a two-story sculpture based on the landmark 1884 court case “Territory of New Mexico vs. Yee Shun” allowing Chinese and non-Christians to testify in a court of law. The View From Gold Mountain project uses symbols and metaphors that refer not only to Chinese culture and to honor the Yee Shun case, but are universally understood by cultures from around the globe. During the Gold Rush, the people in China called America the Gold Mountain. They came to America to seek their fortunes and find the pot of gold to send or take home. Immigrants from other regions also came to that Gold Mountain for similar reasons. Instead, like Yee Shun and the Chinese, because of their skin color, culture, country of origin or other differences they found hardship, starvation, death, murder, and disillusionment not to mention loss of family. The pot of gold was more often than not only an illusive dream. After decades of persistence and through the Rule of Law, the Chinese found justice imbedded in the three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, which together strive to achieve the ultimate “balance” of justice and equality.
A plumb bob is used as a metaphor for “balance” in the scales of justice. “A plumb sways for a time and ultimately finds balance.” While the Yee Shun case did not provide that “balance” or justice during his lifetime, the scales of justice ultimately found equilibrium and balance in the changing of the law to provide access to justice for the Chinese and for all who call America home. (A collaborative project)
Oracle Bones (Porcelain enamel inset)
In ancient times animal bones (turtle and cattle) were inscribed for divination and storytelling. Un-inscribed bones of loved ones traveled around the world bringing the deceased to their homeland and closing the circle of life. This sculpture Oracle Bones tells of the Japanese American history, and of the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services building) where Chinese and Japanese immigrants were incarcerated and processed upon entering the US.
ORACLE BONES, Seattle WA
Commissioned by the Wing Luke Asian Museum as part of the Japanese Remembrance Trail. It is sited in front of the former Immigration and Naturalization Services building.
First Marks
Shrine of Hopes and Wishes
Bridge to Brotherhood
Bridge to Brotherhood – Redmond WA
30’w x 6’h x 12’d
Porcelain enamel, steel, brick, concrete, plants.
Ca.1985