Artwork copyright John Hoover. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright John Hoover. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright John Hoover. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright John Hoover. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Raven the Creator, 1984

John Hoover
American Unangax̂ (Aleut) (born 1919, died 2011)

Location: Victor Falls Elementary, Bonney Lake

About the Artwork

Raven the Creator by Native Alaskan artist John Hoover (Aleut, 1919-2011) is a hand-carved sculpture that tells the Native American story of the creation of light in the world. This popular story is used to teach children their origins and community values. Many Native American stories involve animals as messengers, guardians, and advisers. Animals were and are thought of as spiritual guides to the community, passing on ancient and important wisdom.

The original artwork featured a central Raven figure, which was lost in 1993. Although the artwork looks slightly different today, Hoover noted that "it still holds value as a tool to pass on the Native American myth of the creation of light in the world." The remaining elements are the stars, sun, and moon, and they still symbolize a traditional creation story.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Sumner-Bonney Lake School District.

About the Artist

Aleut (Native Alaskan) artist and fisherman John Hoover (1919-2011) created two-dimensional artworks and hand-carved sculptures. They are often about the relationship between animals, mankind, and the spiritual. Hoover was born in Cordova, Alaska to a Russian Aleut mother and a German father.