Artwork copyright Scott Fife. Photo courtesy of Stanwood-Camano School District, 2024.

Artwork copyright Scott Fife. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Scott Fife. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Scott Fife. Photo courtesy of Stanwood-Camano School District, 2024.

Artwork copyright Scott Fife. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Artwork copyright Scott Fife. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2024.

Young Eagles, 2023

Scott Fife
(American, born 1949)

Location: Church Creek Campus, Stanwood

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Young Eagles by Scott Fife is a set of two sculptures that depict young birds just as they are gaining maturity, but with white markings. Fife notes, "These are the bald eagles that soar on thermal convection currents, roosting on tall trees throughout the coastal Puget Sound. The birds appear as school age raptors resting on cardboard boxes, reminding viewers, who include children and youth, of transformation in the world. They represent change, just as the original artwork was once cardboard now transformed into cast bronze sculpture."

The Bald Eagle is the largest true raptor in North America, the national bird of the United States. Sacred and iconic, it is also a spiritual messenger to Native Americans. The bird has made a recovery from being endangered not long ago to being ever present, and today its natural range covers most of the continent.

Scott Fife created the original sculptures out of cardboard that was cut and pieced together with drywall screws and glue. They are based on Fife's careful study of eagles in nature and from photographs. Molds were taken from the cardboard sculptures, and then used to make the bronze casts.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Stanwood-Camano School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Scott Fife creates figurative sculptures and busts of historic and cultural icons. Known for his elaborate process and singular use of materials, Fife builds his sculptures using archival cardboard, screws, and glue. Fife earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Idaho in 1972 and a Bachelor of Art degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1976.