Artwork copyright Terry Furchgott. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Terry Furchgott. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Terry Furchgott. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Raven Spirit Mobile, 2004

Terry Furchgott
(American, born 1948)

Location: Illahee Elementary School, Vancouver

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This artwork is part of ‘Raven Spirit Mobile’, a five-piece mobile created by artist Terry Furchgott. She created it for Illahee Elementary as a tribute to the school’s values and the area’s Native American heritage and history. A mobile is a sculpture that hangs balanced in the air with each part moving freely. This sculpture features five different winged animals. The animals represent important symbols in the cultures of the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest. In each part, a circular emblem shows an image of the animal inspired by the artistic style of the Northwest Coast. This part features a raven holding the sun, moon, and stars with its beak and feet. It symbolizes the element of air, creative thinking, problem solving, and a good sense of humor. The artist notes, “Wily Raven, the Transformer, cultural hero, the trickster, creator of the world, is portrayed here central and alone as befits the Spirit Leader of Illahee Elementary.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Evergreen School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Terry Furchgott creates richly colorful figurative paintings, murals, and installations that explore the dynamics of human relationships and communities.
Furchgott received an honors degree in art history from Radcliffe College, Harvard University in Massachusetts, and studied at Camden Arts Center in London, England.