Artwork copyright Ruth Brockmann. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Rain Charmer, 1995

Ruth Brockmann
(American, born 1955, died 2013)

Location: Kent Prairie Elementary, Arlington

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Rain Charmer is a glass mask created by late artist Ruth Brockmann. It is part of a series of masks that celebrate the relationship between human beings and nature. The abundance of rain experienced in the Pacific Northwest inspired this piece. The artist noted, “Over many years, people from various cultures have associated water as a universal symbol of life and fertility. All living species need water to survive. Rain is a gift from the sky which fertilizes the Earth for new life.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Arlington 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.