Funded by Portland's Percent for Art ordinance, "Undercurrent" was commissioned in conjuction with the expansion of the nearby pump station.
The installation of the 4-inch-wide segments -- each about six to 12 feet in length -- were designed to evoke a flowing path of water, with overlapping sections of sculpture that simulate the topography that dictates Fanno Creek’s course.
The artists studied native tribes, the influence of the Oregon Electric Railway upon early settlement, the topography, and the vegetation. Their installation included the planting of several edibles, including red currant, salmonberry, and thimbleberry.
About Nature Revealed: Discovering Nature Through Art
From the small and often unnoticed to the vast, open landscapes and big flora at THPRD, Nature Revealed: Discovering Nature through Art introduces visitors to the ongoing changes taking place in nature every day. Visit your local park to explore this new, interactive public art series up close. What will you discover about nature?