Artwork copyright Patricia Ravarra. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Patricia Ravarra. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Patricia Ravarra. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Patricia Ravarra. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Patricia Ravarra. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Patricia Ravarra. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

The Rainbow Dragon's Scales, 1995

Patricia Ravarra
American (born 1947)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

The Rainbow Dragon's Scales is a suspended sculpture created by artist Patricia Ravarra. Comprised of 54 different elements, she made each colorful abstract form by hand-weaving together aluminum wire. She then shaped each piece into concave, scale-like forms. She created the "Rainbow Dragon" idea as a metaphor for her artistic process, and she hopes it inspires students to create their own stories. She describes the "Rainbow Dragon" as a kind and shy dragon who brings good luck after it rains.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State Arts Commission.

About the Artist

Ravarra earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree (1971) in fine art and a Master of Arts degree (1979) in textile arts from San Francisco State University. She was awarded a Fulbright grant in 1977 for advanced tapestry design to study with Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. She is based in San Francisco, California.