By Terri Price, Special to the Blog
At the corner of Phinney Ave and 50th Street, a powerful scene unfolds: a grizzly bear and an orca whale gently embracing, set against a vibrant backdrop of color, sound, and memory. This is the work of Katana Sol, a multidisciplinary artist whose signal box design invites us to reflect on empathy, community, and our relationship with the natural world.
Created as part of the Reimagining PhinneyWood Signal Box Project, led by the PNA, Katana’s artwork brings an intentional, heartfelt message to the streetscape—right outside a local preschool.
Katana describes her design as rooted in “the relationship between unlikely friends,” blending the forest with sound, and paying homage to the bright colors and sonic frequencies of the neighborhood.
“I hope people can see these two gentle carnivores—grizzly bear and orca whale—living together in harmony, embracing one another. It’s a visual reminder of the importance of setting aside our differences and recognizing our shared, collective experiences.”
Katana’s ties to the neighborhood run deep. She lived in PhinneyWood for seven years and has fond memories of visiting her grandmother, who lived in the condos across from Chef Liao.
“We’d go to the zoo, visit local businesses, and just exist in vibrant community,” she recalls. “The neighborhood holds a familial, historical element for me.”
That sense of belonging infuses her piece. It’s more than decoration—it’s a space for pause, play, and participation.
“There’s a lot of sterile, static design emerging in modern aesthetics that doesn’t reflect the multicultural ecosystem of historical Seattle. My work is meant to disrupt that—to hold space for memory, joy, resistance, and belonging.”
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Katana hopes her signal box will be especially meaningful to the preschoolers across the street.
“At an early age, it’s important to learn empathy and understanding—not just competition and comparison. I want the work to feel like it was made for the community, not just installed in it.”
And beyond the box, she hopes it will inspire people to reconnect with nature:
“Just because we’re steering toward a more indoor and sedentary life doesn’t mean we have to lose touch with the natural world. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have this incredible access to nature. I hope my piece nudges people to explore it.”
She shares two go-to spots that keep her connected to the neighborhood’s creative spirit:
- New Favorite: Sophon – “A Cambodian restaurant bursting with color and flavor. The papaya salad, fried chicken, and drink menu are all fire.”
- Classic Gem: Couth Buzzard – “I love bookstores, and this one feels like a space where belonging is a given—especially for the queer community and music makers. Catch a klezmer jam on a Monday and enjoy the cozy café vibes.”
The Reimagining PhinneyWood Signal Box Project, led by the PNA, transforms everyday infrastructure into meaningful, community-rooted works of art. Katana Sol’s box is a stunning example of how art can both brighten a corner and deepen a conversation.
Don’t miss it next time you’re walking by Phinney & 50th. Pause, look closer, and reflect.
