The Raven Speaks, Raven’s Journey, Eagle in the Mist + Orca in the Mist
Marvin Oliver
Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center
Northwest Coast symbols tell Indigenous stories and look toward the future.
"My art is formulated by merging the spirit of past traditions with those of the present in order to create new horizons for the future," Marvin Oliver said of his work, which uses Northwest Coast traditions to tell Indigenous stories and express hope for generations yet to come. Grounded in these traditions, he experimented with new processes and technologies in a broad range of materials.
These artworks—a bronze sculpture and three embossed serigraphs—depict a series of Coast Salish symbols: the raven is known as the transformer, trickster, and creator who released the sun, moon, and stars, and who discovered man in a clamshell and taught him to fish and hunt. The orca whale, seen here with its fin pointed toward the sky, is associated with compassion, strong family bonds, protection, and community. The eagle symbolizes both power and peace.Continue Reading ›
Oliver (1946–2019) was a renowned carver, sculptor, and printmaker. Born in Shelton, WA, with Quinault and Isleta-Pueblo heritage, he worked within Northwest Coast traditions and themes, often focusing on Native American stories about time, ancestors, and the future. His works can be seen in public spaces across Washington state and the United States, as well as in Canada, Japan, and Italy. Several major pieces are installed at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, where he was a student and longtime professor. Other 4Culture commissions include Spirit of Our Youth at the Children and Family Justice Center and Eagle at Fort Dent Park in Tukwila.
About the Location
Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center
4Culture believes in juvenile justice reform that results in zero youth detention. We also believe artists can lead the way in enacting this change, as culture-bearers, storytellers, and community-builders. Every single artist involved with the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CFJC) project has demonstrated a commitment to uplifting young people. Likewise, all of the…
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