Artwork copyright Jason Sobottka. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Jason Sobottka. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Jason Sobottka. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Evolved Elk with Kingfishers 2.0, 2017

Jason Sobottka
American (born 1975)

Location: The Evergreen State College, Olympia

About the Artwork

Artist Jason Sobottka created Evolved Elk with Kingfishers 2.0 as part of his series Adventures Through the Anthropocene. The term "Anthropocene" refers to the current geological era in which humans are the biggest influence on climate and the environment. The artist describes his series as "a colorful surrealist fantasy." The imagery suggests various themes including ecological protection, symbiotic relationships, survival, spirituality, and myth. European medieval Christian "bestiary" also inspired the series. Bestiary are illustrated books that describe real and symbolic animals and beasts, often with a moral lesson.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with The Evergreen State College.

About the Artist

Tacoma, Western Washington-based artist Jason Sobottka creates paintings, drawings, prints, and sculpture. He is a professor of visual art at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. He is the co-owner of Tacoma Gallery, dedicated to Tacoma-themed art. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Montana and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota.