Bridge Manual
Leo Berk
King County
An artful kit of parts transforms King County bridges.
Continue Reading ›
Berk’s kit of parts features color schemes, enhanced railing options, entry pylon designs to punctuate the rails, and a collection of 7.5-inch vertical blades made from a fiberglass material typically used for road signs. The blades are cut and assembled according to the type of bridge, with different profiles for arch, truss, and suspension styles. A series of his photographs are printed on graphic vinyl film and laminated to both sides of the blades. Seen together from an approaching vehicle, they form a large image on either side of the bridge, without obstructing the view of the waterway.
The 14 photographs used for these installations were taken by Berk during the summer and fall of 2010, when he traversed diverse King County creek environments by foot and bicycle. They picture horsetail, lichen, lilies, swamps, and other natural materials in close-up shots with compelling textures, light, and shadows.
My goal was to frame ordinary views in an intriguing way and to create a sense of mystery and prolonged interest for viewers. –Leo Berk
Based in Seattle, Berk has received numerous public art commissions. His studio work has been shown in Northwest galleries and museums such as Bellevue Arts Museum, Frye Art Museum, Henry Art Gallery, and Tacoma Art Museum, as well as in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oslo, and Philadelphia.