Artwork copyright Ruth Brockmann. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Raven's Tree, 1994

Ruth Brockmann
(American, born 1955, died 2013)

Location: Amistad Elementary, Kennewick

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Ruth Brockmann created Raven's Tree in celebration of the relationship between humankind and nature. Brockmann notes "there are many stories from various nations which feature Raven having an integral role. One story from the Tsimshian people tells how Raven made the tides. Another from the Tlingit people tells how Raven created daylight. Another from the Haida people tells how Raven discovered the first human in a clam shell. It is my hope that this artwork will inspire viewers to seek out these and many other stories."

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