Artwork copyright Frank Boyden. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Frank Boyden. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Bird Vase, 1983

Frank Boyden
(American, born 1942)

Location: Office of the Washington State Insurance Commissioner, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Frank Boyden created Bird Vase as part of a series of vases inspired by the Water Ouzel bird, commonly known as the American dipper. This species of bird can see underwater and feeds on aquatic insects at the bottom of rocky streams. Boyden traced the bird images into the clay and glazed them before firing the vase in a kiln. He then surrounded the vase with burning material, which gave the unglazed areas a smoky black finish.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Corrections.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Oregon-based artist Frank Boyden creates ceramic, print, and sculptural works that investigate the natural environment. He and his wife Jane Boyden co-founded the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology on the Oregon Coast.

Boyden earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College. He earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University in Connecticut.