Safety Spires - Dan Corson and Norie Sato (2006)
Using color, pattern and shape, the artwork Safety Spires transforms the O&M yard’s Overhead Contact System (OCS) poles into a celebration of transit, technology, and nature. One of the original inspirations for this artwork, created by artists Dan Corson and Norie Sato, was a prehistoric plant indigenous to this region – commonly known as the horsetail or Scouring Rush. The patterning on the horsetail, along with allusions to bamboo and spring growth seemed evocative of the renewal, maintenance and caring for the system taking place at the facility, the artists say.
About the Artists
Dan Corson and Norie Sato joined Sound Transit in 1999 as design team artists, helping to shape the art plan for the Central Link light rail system through STart (Sound Transit’s public art program). Both artists have extensive experience creating art for public space, and are exceptionally skilled at considering a project as a whole, resulting in site specific artwork that is well-integrated, meaningful and engaging.
RAIL (2006)
In 2002 the Museum of History & Industry donated a 10’ high x 9’ wide “R”, formerly located on the Rainier Brewery warehouse wall, to Sound Transit‘s public art program. The “R” is one of two. MOHAI 
restored the other “R” which is featured in its museum. MOHAI asked that the donated “R” remain a viable part of the community’s heritage.
Removing the “R” from the brewery wall damaged the sign, and it initially appeared it could not be salvaged. However, Western Neon, the company that renovated the other Rainier “R” for the Museum of History & Industry, determined that the “R” could be salvaged.
The art program proposed that “ail” be added to the renovated “R.” In this way, the historic “R” would remain a viable part of the community’s heritage, with a humorous yet practical twist to its usage.
Learn more about Link Operations & Maintenance Facility>>
Comments?
For comments about this STart project, please contact:
Jennifer Babuca
Public Art Program Coordinator
(206) 398-5120
babucaj@soundtransit.org
