As with the legends of an oracle, the method of building the Roof was passed to me by my father. Growing up in Seattle, I want to pay tribute to how important this place is. At the Roof, I ask visitors to participate. An oracle gives guidance and truth. It is in a human’s nature to want to have an influence on their future, and to want to believe in something outside of themselves. Within the grounded attic space is the heart of the oracle; as in a Buddhist temple, a participant may press gold leaf onto a section of the Roof in exchange for their wish. The Western Oracle is an amalgam of distorted traditions and symbols, bequeathed and mashed up to fit a cultural need. This work is meant for the public to interact with (e.g. climb on, go inside, contribute to "the heart of the oracle," etc.).

–Heather Hart, Artist

Installation of The Western Oracle was made possible by a gift from Martha Wyckoff and Jerry Tone in honor of Ann Wyckoff. Support also provided by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation's 2012 Creative Leadership Award presented to Sandra Jackson-Dumont. Additional support contributed by Michael J. Corliss – The Truss Co. Special assistance provided by Joseph Seymour and Will Smith.

The Western Oracle: We Will Tear the Roof Off the Mother, 2013, Heather Hart, American, born 1975, installation view at Olympic Sculpture Park. Photo: Robert Wade.