Artwork copyright David Govedare. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright David Govedare. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

White Buffalo Shield, 1996

David Govedare
(American, born 1950, died 2021)

Location: Mary Walker High School, Springdale

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

White Buffalo Shield is part of Northwest artist David Govedare's series of symbolic shields. These metal sculptures use landscape imagery and animal figures to create visual narratives. He notes, "The shields with animal imagery are all creatures with close ties to my own life. I only depict those creatures that I have shared contact with...the development of my art comes from man's ancient urge to document inspiration."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Eastern Washington sculptor David Govedare (1950-2021) uses human and animal figures to create symbolic and visual narratives, mainly in metal. In his own words, "I build stuff from the experiences of life." Govedare is a non-Native artist.

Govedare grew up in California and first came to the Spokane area as a student, for an architecture internship during Expo ’74. He lived and worked in Chewelah, Northeastern Washington.