Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019.

Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2019.

Hushpuppy, 2017

Marita Dingus
(American, born 1956)

Location: Getchell High School, Marysville

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Marita Dingus' sculpture Hushpuppy is comprised of found and recycled objects surrounding a blown-glass core. The title was inspired by a character from the 2012 film "Beasts of the Southern Wild". Dingus notes the artwork represents "the resilience and beauty of the human spirit in the face of adversity."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Marita Dingus is an African American feminist and environmental artist. She is a mixed media sculptor who uses discarded and recycled materials. In her own words, “My approach to producing art is environmentally and politically infused: neither waste humanity nor the gifts of nature . . . The discarded materials represent how people of African descent were used during the institution of slavery and colonialism then discarded, but who found ways to repurpose themselves and thrive in a hostile world.”

Dingus received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and both a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts from San Jose State University in California. She grew up in Auburn, Western Washington, and still lives and works there. She received the 2018 Twining Humber Award for lifetime artistic achievement.