Artwork copyright Marvin Oliver. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Marvin Oliver. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Marvin Oliver. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Marvin Oliver. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Raven and Bear Pole, 1982

Marvin Oliver
(American | Quinault | Isleta-Pueblo, born 1946, died 2019)

Location: Chautauqua Elementary, Vashon Island

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Late Native American artist and master carver Marvin Oliver (Quinault/Isleta) created Raven and Bear Pole as a celebration of "the rich and diverse culture of the Northwest Coast of America." It is hand-carved and painted second-growth redcedar wood. From top to bottom, the sculpture features a raven with a frog tucked under his beak and a bear holding the sun. This sculpture was carved in 1982 and was Oliver's first totem pole. Before it was acquired for Washington's State Art Collection, it was exhibited in Algeria, North Africa, as part of the Art in the U.S. Embassies program.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based Quinault and Isleta-Pueblo artist Marvin Oliver (1946-2019) was a master carver, sculptor, and printmaker producing works in cedar wood, bronze, glass, steel, and paper.

Oliver was born in Shelton on southern Puget Sound and worked within the traditions of Native American Northwest Coast designs and themes. He was also an important influence on contemporary Native American art and artists. He described his art as "formulated by merging the spirit of past traditions with those of the present... to create new horizons for the future." Many of his artworks express his ideas and Native American stories about life, time, traditions, ancestors, the universe, and his hope for future generations.

Oliver earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University in 1970 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1973. He was Professor Emeritus of American Indian Studies at the University of Washington and Adjunct Curator of Contemporary Native American Art at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (both in Seattle). In the 1970s, he began a tradition of an annual “Raven’s Feast” dinner at the University of Washington to celebrate the accomplishments of Native American and Alaska Native graduates. He also gifted one of his prints to each graduate. Raven’s Feast has grown into a cornerstone of the UW Native community.