Artwork copyright James Madison. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright James Madison. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Eagles, 2022

James Madison
(American | Snohomish | Tlingit, born 1973)

Location: Star Lake Elementary, Kent

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Eagles by James Madison (Tulalip and Tlingit) combines the traditional imagery and color of three, red eagles with a non-traditional metal material. His grandfather taught him to “keep culture alive and show that his people are not petrified.”

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Asia Tail in April 2024 for three Federal Way Public Schools in South King County. Asia chose graphic works that are as bold and diverse as the students, by artists with ties to South Puget Sound. Images of language, people, and the natural world create a poem for this place where students live and learn. She notes, "School is a place where we can connect with new families. And families are always strongest when working together."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tulalip Tribes member James Madison (Snohomish and Tlingit) is a master wood carver. He also works in glass, bronze, and stainless steel, and seeks to combine the new with the old. Madison notes that he is “always thinking of new ways to add a modern twist to a traditional piece. This allows for me to help to keep my culture alive. As we move into the future, so do the teachings of my ancestors.”
Madison was born into a family steeped in traditional Salish and Tlingit Northwest Coast Native art. He began carving when he was 8 years old, learning from his grandfather Frank Madison (1923-2002), uncle Steve Madison, and father Richard Madison (born 1952). He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in 2000, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Pratt School of Fine Arts in 2004 (both in Seattle). His studies included courses in Native American Northwest Coast art history; Northwest Coast two-dimensional design and carving; metal sculpture; and glass blowing, fusing, and casting.