THE ART OF THE LANDSCAPE

THE ART OF THE LANDSCAPE

BY CLAIR ENLOW
Landscape Northwest editor

For Nancy Hammer, "landscape" might involve steel, plants, concrete or water -- or any combination of these elements. She pursues a dual career as sculptor and landscape designer.

Her residential landscape designs have been recognized in 1996 and 1996 by Sunset Magazine and Garden Design Magazine. Perhaps her best known sculpture is the pair of columns wrapped in a roiling underwater landscape flanking the central staircase at the Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69.

But one of Hammer's finest achievements has a very low profile.

Now entering its fifth season, the subtle water feature at Mercerdale Park in Mercer Island draws eyes in cool weather and draws crowds when it heats up.

The unique installation, designed by Hammer in association with landscape architect MacLeod Record, snakes through a combination of hardscape and soft bunches of high grass. From under the concrete rims at the water's edges, water sprays in a misty cloud over the dark water.

"Sizzling Water" was inspired by misty "witch's breath" blanketing lowlands in early in the morning. At Mercerdale Park, it is an interactive feature that invites, cools and thrills visitors large and small.

"Sometimes, the artistry of landscape seems overshadowed by concern for economy, low maintenance and construction technique," said Hammer. "I enjoy the challenge of finding simple but dramatic ways to insert artistic sensibilities into everyday settings."

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