Brian Mackin was selected in 2004 by the Kitsap County Arts Board to create commissioned artwork for installation in the new Norm Dicks Government Center in downtown Bremerton. The works of eleven artists were purchased outright, while Brian, along with seven other artists, was contracted to create specific pieces for the building.

Brian’s proposal involved the creation of two large egg-and-flute ceramic sculptures for the building’s foyer. The first, measuring 82 inches high and 36 inches wide, is a delphinium blue egg (base) topped by a white flute (top). The second, smaller piece, with a tangerine egg and a white flute, measures 70 inches high and 30 inches wide.

The application process involved both a slide presentation to the Board and a visit by Board members to Brian’s Bainbridge Island studio. He was given full creative freedom in his proposed project.
Brian’s first task was to throw pots larger than any he had done before. He threw the clay in sections, each one bigger than its predecessor. Production time involved in creating the larger piece took seven months due in part to the slow, deliberate drying time. The smaller piece, almost 6’ in height, took approximately 3 months to finish.