Artwork copyright Ray Troll. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Ray Troll. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Ray Troll. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Skates on Ice, 1991

Ray Troll
American (born 1954)

Location: Captain Strong Elementary School, Battle Ground

About the Artwork

Skates on Ice is a drawing by artist Ray Troll. This piece is part of his body of artworks inspired by marine animals. Skates are a type of fish belonging to the ray family, recognizable for their flattened bodies and large, geometric fins. He notes, "Often times an animal's name will inspire a visual pun of one sort or another… Skates on Ice is a visual pun and an exploration of this creature's fantastic shape and color."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Battle Ground Public Schools.

About the Artist

Alaska-based artist Ray Troll creates imaginative paintings and prints.
Born in New York, Troll moved to Kansas where he studied at Wichita State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in printmkaing at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in photography and drawing from Washington State University in Pullman, Eastern Washington, in 1981.