Artwork copyright Garth Edwards. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Garth Edwards. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Struggle, 1988

Garth Edwards
(American, born 1950, died 2021)

Location: Challenger Elementary, Issaquah

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Struggle is a stylized painting by artist Garth Edwards. Two figures shown with contrasting faces and patterns on their clothes are seen bent toward the other with their arms almost touching. The space surrounding their arms is a vibrant blue. The artist notes, "This painting is about the idea that two people when the struggle to understand each other create their own world. That’s one way to look at the color around the heads of these two…. The struggle brings blue sky – hope amid the dark world of misunderstanding."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Garth Edwards (1950-2021) created playful, figurative works on paper, sculptures, and installations. He worked mainly in metal and stained glass.

Edwards grew up in Portland, Oregon, and studied glassblowing at Portland State University in Oregon and at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington. He taught at Portland Community College and the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts (both in Oregon), and worked full-time as an artist since 1980.