Artwork copyright Kay O'Rourke. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Kay O'Rourke. Photo courtesy of the artist.

River Journey I, 1999

Kay O'Rourke
(American, born 1943)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

River Journey I is a painting by artist Kay O'Rourke. It is part of her body of work inspired by the wildlife on her Eastern Washington farm called Wake Robin's Rest. A beaver lives on her stretch of river. She notes, "I did a series of paintings, drawings, and mixed media sculpture on hum, using his tree trimmings to build sculptures and my grandchildren's interest to tell stories. He took the children on an underwater journey of the river – showing how he and his family contributed to the health of the river eco-system. In some ways it was like a folk tale."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist Kay O'Rourke creates figurative paintings and found-object sculptures. Many of her narrative artworks are inspired by the animals and nature surrounding her farm named "Wake Robin's Rest."