Artwork copyright Conrad House. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Oaksprings Sheepcamp, 1992

Conrad House
(American | Navajo-Oneida, born 1956, died 2001)

Location: Ilalko Elementary School, Auburn

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Oaksprings Sheepcamp captures artist Conrad House's childhood memory of tending a herd of sheep on a mountainside in Arizona with his siblings. It celebrates nature's beauty as well as our dependence and connection with all life forms. House uses expressive color, composition, and symbolism. He features overlapping and interwoven animals, plants, and other items that relate to his past and present. This artwork also features symbols and objects related to House's Native American heritage.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Conrad House (Navajo and Oneida, 1956-2001) created expressive artworks in multiple mediums, including ceramics, paintings, drawings, and glasswork. In his own words, "What is most important to me is our responsibility to ourselves, each other, animals, plants and other life forms on this living Earth. As our natural world shrinks, so does our ability to maintain a balance with our natural surroundings. What we do now will affect the future and the quality of life to come."

Conrad studied at State University of New York (SUNY) at Johnstown before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Mexico in 1980. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Oregon. He has also spent time at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington. His artworks are in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, Portland Art Museum (0regon), and many more.