“Art Walk” Storyline

“In Native American belief, black is the color of mystery and the unknown.  Therefore, the raven, cloaked in black, is the rightful emissary to the unknown. Exuding character and intelligence, even their iridescent blue color ties into the belief that the raven is an ever-changing illusion. 

In The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds, ornithologist John Terres wrote, "Corvids have probably achieved the highest degree of intelligence to be found in any birds."

My belief is that living among ravens and sharing our community with these extraordinary birds is a privilege.  I can’t think of any piece I’ve approached in terms of sculpting where I have had more fun or sculpted with more enthusiasm than while working on “Art Walk”.  And, I can say without any stretch of my imagination that what is conveyed in this piece has taken place over centuries that Native Americans have inhabited the great southwest.

The concept for “Art Walk” came from artist Linda Lee, who was gracious enough to grant me permission to sculpt my rendition of one of her paintings.  Studying the physiology and folklore of ravens my entire adult life culminated in working with these amazing creatures at wildlife rehab centers.  “Art Walk” offered me the great excuse to meet a celebrity – the raven – to study and have the honor of sculpting.“        

   - Ken Rowe

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