Artwork copyright Kathy Hubbard. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Kathy Hubbard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Kathy Hubbard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Tree Spirit #17, 1993

Kathy Hubbard
(American, born 1944)

Location: Lincoln Elementary, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Tree Spirit #17 is part of artist Kathy Hubbard's series of sculptural figures. She first constructs hollow forms from clay, fired in a kiln. The arms, legs and head are tree branches she sourced on her property which she carves to fit the clay sculpture. She then wraps tree bark around the joints, and paints the figure. She notes, "My sculpture is figurative with plant, animal, and human attributes. It is meant to have 'feminine' strength, not necessarily be 'female.' It is a thickly textured dancer, sensual and primal, connected to nature because of the material used."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Kathy Hubbard is an artist based in Oaxaca, Mexico. She creates ceramic objects and mixed-media sculptures.
Hubbard studied art at the University of Southern California, and earned a bachelor's degree at Whitworth College in Spokane, Eastern Washington. She earned a Master of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Eastern Washington.