Artwork copyright Ruth Brockmann. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Rain Dancer, 2002

Ruth Brockmann
(American, born 1955, died 2013)

Location: Rochester Middle School, Rochester

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Rain Dancer is a glass mask created by late artist Ruth Brockmann. It is part of a series of masks that celebrate the interconnection of all living things. This piece honors rain, wildlifec, and our forests. The artist noted, "Since I have lived all of my life in Washington and Oregon, I have come to associate the great abundance of rain with the lush, fertile gifts indigenous to this region. All life forms are dependent upon water."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Ruth Brockmann (1955-2013) was a leader in the Northwest kiln-formed glass movement. She created fused-glass sculptures that celebrated and explored our spiritual connection to the natural world.

Ruth Brockman was one of the initial artists in the 1980s to work and experiment with Bullseye Glass Company's colored glass for fusing. She has taught glass fusing at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington, as well as around the United States and Canada. Her experimental, do-it-yourself art practice is heavily influenced by her experiences farming in Alaska and Washington, working on commercial fishing boats, traveling in Mexico, and Mother Nature.