Black Bench
Will Robinson
Polished Basalt
Donated by Gail Severn in memory of her husband
Where is it located in the garden?
Serenity Garden
More about
Will Robinson
A Washington based sculptor known for his abstract stone structures.
EDUCATION
He graduated with a BA in History from the University of Washington and has since developed a distinctive style that blends historical influences with modern aesthetics.
SYMBOLISM & TECHNIQUE
• The black hue of the bench carries a weight of symbolism. Black, as a color, often evokes a sense of mystery, elegance, and depth. It can be interpreted as a nod to the void, a space of quiet introspection where viewers are invited to project their own emotions and narratives.
• The bench’s stoic presence evokes a sense of permanence, as if it were a monument to the quiet moments of life— the pauses, the reflections, and the connections made in shared spaces.
ARTISTIC STYLE & APPROACH
• Balance and weight: His sculptures frequently feature large, polished stones balancing atop or alongside rougher, uncarved stone bases. This creates an illusion of effortless elegance and defies the immense weight of the material.
• Contrasting textures: Robinson highlights the duality within the stone by integrating smooth, polished surfaces with the rough, raw textures of basalt and granite. He often encourages viewers to touch his work to experience this tactile duality.
• Nature-inspired forms: Taking inspiration from the Pacific Northwest, Robinson's sculptures often abstract elements from nature, such as the shape of a bird's wing, the fluke of a whale, or the movement of wind and water and are designed to engage viewers both visually and tactilely.
• Focus on the stone itself: Rather than imposing a narrative, Robinson's art is intended to celebrate the natural properties of the stone. His process of finding and carving local basalt and granite boulders is a journey of discovery to see what unique mineral properties and patterns each rock reveals.
• Robinson’s pieces are not merely objects, but are imbued with layers of meaning, offering a meditative reflection on the coexistence of form and function.
• His philosophy centers around the idea that simplicity can evoke profound complexity. ‘Black Bench’ is a testament to this belief.
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS
• St. Michael Medical Center, Silverdale, WA
• Swedish Medical Center, Issaquah, WA
• Las Vegas Cleveland Clinic designed by Frank Gehry, Las Vegas, NV
• Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza, Bremerton, WA
• City of Bellevue Public Arts Collection (Bellevue Botanical Garden)
• Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, WA
• Olympic College