Artwork copyright David Franklin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Kingfisher and Sculpin, 1997

David Franklin
(American, born 1972)

Location: Cedar Valley Community Elementary School, Lynnwood

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Kingfisher and Sculpin is a sculpture by artist David Franklin. He notes, “This piece is carved in the sculptural style of the Bella Coola of Nuxalk Indians of the Central British Columbia Coast, right in the middle of the span of what we know as Northwest Coast Art.” He describes the composition as a modern oversized Frontlet, an object used to adorn ceremonial headdresses. The subjects are inspired by the artist’s time living on the water in Poulsbo, Washington, where he would watch Kingfisher birds dive into the water to catch Sculpins, a small fish.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

David Franklin creates public art in a variety of styles and materials, including metal, glass, and wood. He seeks to create an instant connection between the viewer and his art. Franklin is a non-Native artist, and some of his artworks are influenced by Native American Northwest Coast styles.

Franklin grew up in Denver, Colorado, and started his art career with graffiti. In the early 1990s, he moved to the Pacific Northwest. He began a ten-year apprenticeship with non-Native artist and carver Duane Pasco, who has made the study of Indigenous artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast his life’s work. Franklin learned graphic and sculptural skills, and he gained experience with large-scale art fabrication and installation. He lives and works in Indianola, on the Kitsap Peninsula, southern Puget Sound, Western Washington.